Twelve men and women were inducted into the CT Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2022 including GOSA’s own finance and stewardship committees’ member Thomas Olson, U.S. Navy, Noank. The Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished veterans who have made significant contributions to their communities after leaving military service.
Tom Olson is a native of Libertyville, IL, and an Eagle Scout. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Design from Bradley University, a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master in Business Administration degree from Marymount University.
After graduation from Bradley, he was commissioned as a Naval Officer in May 1974. Following completion of Nuclear Propulsion and Polaris Missile Training, he served on the submarines USS WILLIAM H. BATES (SSN 680) and USS ROBERT E. LEE (SSBN 601 BLUE) until 1979. Following a tour in the Naval Reserve, while employed as an engineer with Johnson & Johnson, he reported as the Trident Weapons Officer for USS CASIMIR PULASKI (SSBN 633 GOLD), where he obtained his Professional Engineer registration. Designated an Engineering Duty Officer in 1984, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School, and then had assignments at the Naval Sea Systems Command, as the Repair Officer on USS FULTON (AS-11), at the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Groton, CT. and as the Director of Submarines in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. Upon retirement from active duty in 1997, with the rank of Captain, he assumed a Program Manager position at the Naval Submarine Base, Groton, CT with CACI, Inc. In 2001, he returned to government service at the Supervisor of Shipbuilding in Groton until his retirement in 2018 as Executive Director. His naval awards include the Legion of Merit and Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award.
Tom Olson is married to the former Marie Goe of Stanfordville, NY. They have two grown children: Gavin and Darin, and reside in Noank, CT. In 2023 he was inducted to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame for his longtime volunteer service including as the Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 16, service with the Ledyard Congregational Church, Vice President of the Nautilus Chapter of the Naval Submarine League, as a Trustee of the L.Y. Spear Foundation, a Docent for the Historic Ship Nautilus and Thames River Heritage Park, as an Acquisition Emeritus for the Supervisor of Shipbuilding Groton, as a Commissioner of the Town of Groton Conservation Commission, as a committee member of Groton Open Space Association, and as Vice President for the Tri Town.
Read Official Announcment: LT. GOVERNOR SUSAN BYSIEWICZ AND VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER THOMAS SAADI ANNOUNCE TWELVE NEW CONNECTICUT VETERANS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES FOR 2022