The development and daring exploits of the U.S. Navy’s Special Warfare SEALs and one its founding directors, Villages’ resident Capt. Norman Olson, U.S. Navy retired, is recounted in his just published book, Air Capabilities of the U.S. Navy SEALs.
Everyone is invited to attend the book’s official “launching” – and meet Captain Olson and other members of Naval Special Warfare — on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Evans Prairie Country Club. The afternoon book signing includes a presentation (at noon), a memorabilia display, and question and answer period.
Olson graduated in 1955 from the Navy’s Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (Sea, Air and Land) School. After a civilian stint, he returned to active duty, in 1963, to command a UDT team that conducted special operations in Southeast Asia and Vietnam. He also formed and led the UDT Para-Team (West) that became the U.S. Navy Parachute Demonstration Team Leap Frogs. Later, he commanded another UDT-SEAL team that subsequently developed into the world-famous Chuting Stars. After several other command assignments, Olson ended his career, in 1983, as the first chief of staff for the newly formed Joint Special Operations Command.
Olson, on his 80th birthday, made his 4,000th freefall parachute jump.
You can check out one of his jumps here:
He also is the founding director (now director emeritus) of the National Navy UDT/SEAL Museum.
