Captain Matthew “Mandy” Olson, a native of Bolingbrook, Illinois, was commissioned via the University of Illinois Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program in December 2000, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science. He was subsequently designated a Naval Flight Officer in September 2002.
At sea, Olson served with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 as a junior officer, weapons and tactics instructor, and department head. He deployed in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM / IRAQI FREEDOM, and briefly served in Baghdad, Iraq as the air operations officer to Naval Special Warfare Task Group-Arabian Peninsula. Olson also served as the executive officer and commanding officer of VAW 124. After command, he reported to USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as the “Air Boss”.
Ashore, Olson instructed at the E-2 Hawkeye Weapons and Tactics Unit before spending a year studying at the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Operational Art and Science. He was then selected to attend the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, ultimately graduating with a Master’s of Philosophy Degree in Military Strategy. During his joint tour, he served in the Joint Staff J6 (Joint Fires Division) as the Combat Identification Section Lead. Olson was also assigned to the Navy Warfare Development Center as the N7 (Training, Exercises, and Wargaming).
Olson assumed command of Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads on June 20, 2024.
Captain Olson has flown numerous combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a graduate of the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron, and Joint Forces Staff College. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal, as well as other campaign and unit awards.
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