Lt. Cmdr. Michael F. Nielson, a native of Arvada, CO, graduated from Oregon State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering. He enlisted in the navy in August 2008, as a Nuclear Machinist’s Mate prior to his selection for the Seaman-to-Admiral 21 program in 2009.  He advanced to Petty Officer Second Class prior to commissioning.

His sea tours include division officer on USS Colorado (SSN 788) in Groton, Connecticut, where he earned his Submarine Officer warfare qualification, and served as Quality Assurance Officer and Diving Officer in support of the ship’s initial construction and Builder’s Sea Trials.  He completed one Northern Atlantic deployment onboard USS Missouri (SSN 780) and qualification rides aboard the USS Virginia (SSN 774) and USS California (781). During this deployment, USS Missouri earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation. He served as department head on USS Scranton (SSN 756) in San Diego, California, as the Navigator and Operations Officer. During this tour, the USS Scranton team completed a Western Pacific Deployment and workup, conducted various submarine developmental tests for the navy, commenced one dry-docking availability, and earned the COMSUBRON 11 Green “E” for Electronic Warfare Excellence.

His previous shore tours include Submarine Watch Officer and Regional Employment Officer for Commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic from 2018 to 2020 in Norfolk, VA; Tactics Director at Submarine Training Facility in San Diego, CA from 2023-2025.
 
LCDR Nielson relieved as Executive Officer for Submarine Training Facility, San Diego in December 2025. His personal awards include the Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), a Navy Good Conduct Medal, and Armed Forces Service Medal.
 

Last Updated: 26 January 2026