Eric T. Olson
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2019) |
Naval Special Warfare Development Group | |
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Battles/wars | Battle of Mogadishu |
Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit Bronze Star (w/Combat V) |
Eric Thor Olson (born January 24, 1952) is a retired
Military career
Olson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1973 and qualified as a Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) officer in 1974. He graduated in BUD/S Class 76. He has served operationally in an Underwater Demolition Team, SEAL Team, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team, Special Boat Squadron, and at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group.
Olson has participated in several conflicts and contingency operations, and has served as a SEAL platoon commander, BUD/S instructor, strategy and tactics development officer and joint special operations staff officer. His overseas assignments include service as a United Nations military observer in Israel and Egypt, and as Navy Programs officer in Tunisia. Olson was commanding officer of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE from 1989 to 1990. He served on the Navy staff as assistant deputy chief of Naval Operations (Plans, Policy, and Operations). The commander in charge of all Navy SEALs during
Olson earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School in 1985 and studied at the Defense Language Institute. He is a Joint Specialty officer and Political-Military Affairs sub-specialist with emphasis on Africa and the Middle East. His awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and Silver Star.
In addition to being the first three and four star Navy SEAL, Admiral Olson was the Bull Frog, the longest serving Navy SEAL still on duty.[5] At four-star flag rank, Olson was the highest-ranking Navy SEAL to hold the Bull Frog title. He was succeeded by Commander Brian Sebenaler and Admiral William McRaven, who had also succeeded him as Commander of the United States Special Operations Command and himself retired in 2014.[6]
Olson was the first person to ever throw a ceremonial first pitch for a post-season game at the new Yankee Stadium in 2009.
Olson is an Advisory Board Member of Spirit of America, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the safety and success of Americans serving abroad and the local people and partners they seek to help.[7]
Awards and decorations
Image gallery
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Admiral Eric T. Olson, in Service Dress Blues.
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Greeting Vice President Dick Cheney.
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USSOCOM Change of Command where Admiral Olson took command from General Brown.
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Admiral Eric T. Olson salutesSergeant First Class Leroy Petry at a ceremony at The Pentagon.
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Military Daily News".
- ^ Michael Mullen (August 22, 2011). "Retirement Ceremony for Adm Eric T. Olson, U.S. Special Operations Command". Archived from the original on November 15, 2011. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
- ^ "Special Operations Technology". 13 July 2004. Archived from the original on 19 October 2006. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
- Military Times. Archived from the originalon October 18, 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
- ^ "Face of Defense: Longest-serving Navy SEAL Retires". United States Department of Defense. September 29, 2009. Archived from the original on March 1, 2010.
- ^ "Longest Serving Navy SEAL Passes on Legacy Title". United States Navy. August 26, 2011.
- ^ https://spiritofamerica.org/staff/admiral-ret-eric-olson [dead link]
External links
Media related to Eric Olson at Wikimedia Commons