Kurt Nelson retired as a Command Master Chief after 27 years of active service in the United States Navy. He qualified as a Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Navy First Class Diver, Parachutist, and Marine Mammal Handler. His service was spent in operational leadership assignments spanning the globe, including deep sea salvage diving operations, deployments to both Gulf Wars and the Kosovo conflict. He served as the Very Shallow Mine Countermeasures Detachments Senior Enlisted Advisor and Naval Special Clearance Team ONE's, Command Master Chief. His last duty assignment was as Command Master Chief at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group ONE.