I've only used my nuke once. I didn't find it that easy to get. I used Harrier Strike, Chopper Gunner and finally the nuke.
It's a lot more difficult now, most people carry launchers, so you might want to switch out the chopper for the AC130 due to its counter mesures. Personally I find the gunner better for kills though.
As for getting the ground kills, I'd recommend a silenced weapon, maybe a SMG, depends on the map. Cold Blooded can be very handy, if you do use that, carry a launcher to take out the UAVs. Also, Scavenger for extra mags, and maybe Ninja Pro(if there are heart beat sensor users, or Steady Aim.