[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 131 (Wednesday, September 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ADMIRAL ERIC T. OLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2011

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the 
inspirational leadership of ADM Eric T. Olson. Admiral Olson's service 
is worthy of recognition by the entire Tampa community, the United 
States Armed Services and every citizen of our great Nation.
  A native of Tacoma, Wash., Olson graduated from the United States 
Naval Academy in 1973 and qualified as a Naval Special Warfare, SEAL, 
officer in 1974. 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. He has 
commanded at every level.
  Olson has participated in several conflicts and contingency 
operations, and has served as a SEAL 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. 
He served on the Navy staff as assistant deputy chief of Naval 
Operations (Plans, Policy, and Operations).
  Olson earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security Affairs at 
the Naval Postgraduate School 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 Distinguished Service Medal and Silver Star.
  Admiral Olson became the first Navy SEAL to take the helm at Special 
Operations Command. It is only befitting that such a decorated and 
committed SEAL played an integral role in the successful raid on the 
Abbottabad compound that ended the search for Osama bin Laden. In 
addition to being the first three- and four-star Navy SEAL, Admiral 
Olson is currently the Bull Frog, the longest serving Navy SEAL still 
on duty. At four-star flag rank, Olson is the highest ranking Navy SEAL 
to hold the Bull Frog title.
  The Tampa community and MacDill Air Force Base are proud to recognize 
Admiral Olson for his outstanding career and his many significant 
contributions to the Navy and our country. His determination and hard 
work have made him an inspirational leader within our Nation's Armed 
Services.

                          ____________________