Horatio Nelson was born in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, England, in September 1758.  Nelson's military career began in January of 1771 when he entered the British Royal Navy at the young age of 12. By the age of 21 he held the rank of post-captain.
    Nelson was famous for his quirky personal traits, and his bravery as a naval commander. Nelson first became famous for his battle of St. Vincent in February of 1797. At the time a Commodore he led a boarding party from his ship onto another ship, which he captured, and the preceded to use that ship to capture other ships. Nelson went on to fight in many battles and made a name for himself. Unfortunately his most famous battle would be his last.

    Without a doubt Nelson's most famous battle was the battle of Trafalgar, and tragically this would be his very last battle.
    The year was 1805 and Nelson was sailing aboard the H.M.S. Victory from England. This was at the time of the Napoleonic Wars.  Napoleon Bonaparte ordered that a fleet of 33 French and Spanish ships under the command of Admiral Villeneuve clear the English channel of the British blockade and to make way for his planned invasion of England. Napoleon believing that there was only a small blockade force near Cadiz, ordered his fleet into the Mediterranean Sea.  To the surprise of Admiral Villeneuve he found himself caught between Admiral Nelson's fleet, and a blockade squadron.  On October 21st Nelson would give the command to attack, and would utter the famous words: "England expects that every man will do his duty".
    Nelson outlined the plan of attack to his ship Captains.  He ordered them to form two lines, and to head towards the fleet of French and Spanish ships that were formed in a line.     This plan allowed his ships to broadside the enemy fleet, and would split their formidable line, reduce their odds, and allow them to use their superiorly trained gunners to destroy the enemy fleet at close range.  For an animated representation of this battle click here.
    Nelson's plan worked brilliantly.  Nelson dismantled the enemy fleet.  Britain did not lose a single ship, while 18 enemy ships were destroyed.  Nearly 14,000 French and Spanish sailors were killed, which was 10 times the amount of lives lost by Britain.  Most notably though was the death of Nelson himself.  Nelson was shot and killed by an enemy sharpshooter.  Although, he died knowing he had won a great victory.

For more information about Horatio Nelson, the H.M.S. Victory, or the Battle of Trafalgar we would like to recommend the following links.

The Battle of Trafalgar (1805)
H.M.S. Victory (military history fan site)
The 1805 club (www.admiralnelson.org)

    The modern day ship (Starfleet chapter) is commanded by Commodore Doug Mayo.  Doug and the crew of the Nelson chose to name their chapter after the famous British Naval Commander.  It just so happens that Doug is a student of history, and is a fan of sailing ships.  The U.S.S. Nelson is part of a fleet of ships that make up a region in Starfleet called Region 15.  Region 15 consist of all of New England.  There are chapters in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.  The Nelson was launched as the Shuttle Nelson in November of 2002.  The shuttle was later commissioned as the U.S.S. Nelson in May of 2003.  The U.S.S. Nelson currently has a crew consisting of 14 members.

• Shuttle Newsletter of the year
• Region 15 Shuttle of the year
• Certificate of Achievement for all their charitable works
• Doug Mayo - Region 15 Student of the Year

• Region 15 Newsletter of the Year
• Ellen Majka (XO) - Region 15 member of the year
• Region 15 Charitable works award
• Distinguished Service Award to the following crewmembers: Doug Mayo, Ann Mayo, Alan Majka, Ellen Majka, and Kathy Mullins

• Doug Mayo - Officer of the Year
• Doug Mayo - Region 15 member of the year
• Doug Mayo - 10 year service award
• Ellen Majka - Distinguished Service Award
• Kathy Mullins - Charitable Works Award (Individual)
• Charitable Works Award (Chapter)

• Doug Mayo - Officer of the Year
• Doug Mayo - Award of Excellence
• Doug Mayo - Student of the Year (12 courses)
• Kathy Mullins - Award of Excellence
• Kathy Mullins - Charitable Individual(s) of the Year
• Ellen Majka - Distinguished Service Award
• Ann Mayo - Distinguished Service Award
• Deborah Kowal - Distinguished Service Award

• Kathy Mullins - Honor Guard Ribbon
• Kathy Mullins - Embassy Duty
• Meritorious Unit Commendation: 980th MSG, USS Nelson
• Kathy Mullins - Leader's Commendation
• Shield of Valor (Brigade Volunteer of the Year): Kathy Mullins, 980th "Stormriders", USS Nelson