Craig R. Olson
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
Lead Solo

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 intermediated and advanced jet training, flying the new T-45 Goshawk at Training Squadron 22 (VT-22). He received his wings of gold in April 1996.

Craig remained with VT-22 as an instructor pilot in the T045 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." White there he completed to 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 the Schedules Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, Air-to-Air Weapons training Officer, and Landing Signals Officer (LSO).

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 an OSO, T-34C program phase head and Ground Safety Officer.

Craig transferred to the VFA-106 "Gladiators" at NAS Oceana in December 2005, where he requalified in the Super Hornet and served as an Instructor Pilot. He reported to the "Fighting Swordsmen" of VFA-32 also at NAS Oceana in April 2006, where he served as the Operations Officer and Safety Officer.

Craig joined the Blue Angels in November 2002 and returned in April 2007. He has accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours 345 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and various personal and unit awards.