Lieutenant Commander Craig Olson is a native of Kirkland, Washington, and graduated
from Juanita High School in 1988 where he lettered in varsity football. He attended Central
Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science and
worked as a professional ski instructor during the winters at Alpental Ski School. After graduating
in 1991, Craig worked at Kenmore Air as a commercial airline pilot, flying throughout the
northwest United States and Canada. In March of 1994, he reported to Officer Candidate School
at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, and was commissioned as an ensign in August
1994.
Craig completed primary flight training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, and transferred to
NAS Kingsville, Texas, for intermediate and advanced jet training, flying the new T-45 Goshawk
at Training Squadron 22 (VT 22). He earned his wings of gold in April 1996.
Craig remained with VT 22 as an instructor pilot in the T-45 as a Selectively Retained
Graduate (SERGRAD). In April 1997 he reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA 125), at
NAS Lemoore, California, for replacement pilot training in the F/A-18 Hornet.
In January 1998, Craig reported to the VFA 22 "Fighting Redcocks." While there he
completed two sets of work-ups and a six-month Western Pacific deployment aboard the aircraft
carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), flying combat missions in support of Operation Southern
Watch. During his tour with VFA 22, Craig served as schedules officer, aircraft division officer,
air-to-air weapons training officer, and landing signals officer.
In January 2001, Craig reported to the VFA 122 "Flying Eagles" also based at NAS
Lemoore, as an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet instructor pilot. While at VFA 122, Craig served as a
landing signal officer, T-34 program phase head and ground safety officer.
Craig joined the Blue Angels in November 2002. He has accumulated more than 3,500
flight hours and 296 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Navy and Marine
Corps Commendation Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various
personal and unit awards.
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