Admiral: Bureaucracy Hampers Terror War

Vice Adm. Eric Olson testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 12, 2007, before the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on his nomination to be U. S. Special Operations Command Commander. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook) (Dennis Cook - AP)

A native of Tacoma, Wash., Olson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1973. A year later, he completed the rigorous SEAL training regimen and over the following two decades served in a variety of military assignments, including several tours overseas, according to his military biography.

In October 1993, Olson played a key role during a bloody urban battle in Mogadishu, Somalia. After a pair of Army Black Hawk helicopters were shot down by enemy fire, Olson helped organize and lead a relief team to the crash sites.

The nighttime mission became known as the "Mogadishu Mile," a reference to the distance covered bringing the wounded and trapped American troops to safety. Olson was awarded a Silver Star, the military's third highest award for combat valor.

From 1994 to 1997, he commanded the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, the formal name for the service's secret "SEAL Team Six" anti-terrorism unit.

In 1999, Olson was named head of the Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado, Calif.

Although Olson strives to maintain a low profile, his duties as deputy commander have made him a well-known figure on Capitol Hill where he has made frequent appearances before the military oversight committees.

Retired Adm. Vern Clark, chief of naval operations from 2000 to 2005, called Olson a "quiet warrior."

"He's a humble person, but very much an action guy," Clark said.

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Associated Press writer Richard Lardner reported for this story from Tampa, Fla.