I regret to inform all that Captain Herb Nelson, the last Commanding Officer of the USS Providence, passed away at a local hospital on 1 October. His funeral was held on 6 October.My wife attended as I was unable due to having Chemo treatments.

Herb was buried with full Military honers at Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola.

Bless Him.
LCDR. James L. Townsend, USN RET.

Memorials for Herb can be made to the Christ Espiscopal Church, 18 West Wright Street, Pensacola, FL 32501. In case you do not have Pauline's address, it is 337 Bunker Hill Drive, Pensacola, FL 32506. She seems to be holding up quite well under the circumstances.

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Subj: Thank you
Date: 10/8/2003 6:55:45 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: PAULVALGIB
To: WASP188 , james-townsend@webtv.net

Thank you for the update. Herb Nelson was XO when my husband Paul Gibbons was CO 1971-72. Herb relieved Paul to carry Providence into decommissioning. Paul was extremely fond of Herb, and they shared wonderful memories. My sympathies to all his family.

Valerie Gibbons
Coronado CA

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Subj: RE: In Memory
Date: 10/12/2003 11:48:55 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: steve@shilaw.com
To: WASP188@aol.com
Sent from the Internet

I too was saddened to hear of Captain Nelson's passing. He was the XO while I was aboard Providence (71-2) and I remember him as being a compassionate, capable and professional officer who also did not take himself too seriously as to lose his sense of humor.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Herb.

Steve Shi
XO, MARDET

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