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Perch Base
Michael Olsen
Eternal Patrol

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Click on the logo or these words to go to the United States Submariners home page.

OBITUARY
Michael Olsen, QM2(SS)

 

Michael Olsen, QM2(SS)

Michael Olsen, QM2(SS)

 

Perch Base Holland Club Member and Life Member Michael Olsen, QM2(SS) went on Eternal Patrol on December 8, 2022. Sadly, we just recently participated in a memorial service upon the passing of Mike's wife of 63 years, Ruth, on November 26, 2021. Our sympathy to his family Sven (Skip) Olsen, Dennise Fadler (Randolph), Michelle Hinson (H. Douglas), and James Olsen; eight grandchildren: Erin Olsen, Michael Fadler (Aline), Séan Olsen, Jacob Hinson, Emmalee Hinson, Christien Fadler, Kathleen Fadler Bishop (Tyrone), and Scott Olsen; and four great-grandchildren: William Olsen, Grayson Hinson, Violet Hinson, and Thatcher Hinson.
Mike joined the Navy in October 1956, and was discharged as a Quartermaster Second Class, QM2(SS) in February 1962, after serving on four submarines: the USS Rasher (SSR‑269), USS Seawolf (SSN‑575), USS Corsair (AGSS‑435) and the USS Pomfret (SS‑391)

Click on any thumbnail for a larger picture.

Mike Olsen's first boat, USS Rasher (SSR‑269)

Mike Olsen's first boat, the USS Rasher (SSR‑269).
Mike served on the Rasher from 1957 to 1958 and was promoted to Quartermaster Third Class (QM3). At that time, the USS Rasher functioned as a radar picket boat in the Pacific.

Mike Olsen's second boat, the USS Seawolf (SSN‑575)

Mike Olsen's second boat, the USS Seawolf (SSN‑575).
Mike served on the Seawolf from 1958 to 1959.

Mike Olsen's third boat, the USS Corsair (AGSS‑435)

Mike Olsen's third boat, the USS Corsair (AGSS‑435).
Mike served on the Corsair in 1960. Mike qualified in submarines on the USS Corsair in 1960 and was promoted to QM2(SS).

 

Mike Olsen's fourth and last boat, the USS Pomfret (SS‑391)

Mike Olsen's fourth and last boat, the USS Pomfret (SS‑391).
Mike served on the Pomfret from 1961 to 1962.

 

Mike joined the United States Submarine Service Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) on September 1, 2003, at the Base 51 in Las Vegas, Nevada, then later moved to Surprise, Arizona and joined our Perch Base on February 8, 2014.
To no surprise, Mike became our Base Chaplain in November 2015. He could be counted on to visit ill members, conduct Eternal Patrol services, provide counselling to families and help members to obtain benefits. Mike was so committed to his role as Chaplain, he became the Chaplain at the Maricopa County Jail for the Veteran's unit. Even after he turned over the Base Chaplain role in October 2017, he still routinely would lead invocations and benedictions when the new Chaplain was not present. Mike routinely attended meetings and was a Base Operations Supporter donating monies or efforts to allow for Base operations while keeping our dues low and avoid raising money through member labor as most other organizations do.

A memorial service was conducted on January 16, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Salvation Army North West Valley Corps.
Over 100 people attended the service.

Click on any thumbnail for a larger picture.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

The Memorial Service was held at the Salvation Army North West Valley Corps in Surprise, AZ.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Memorabillia.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Mike's Eb Tuba.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Mike's SubVet vest.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Memorabillia.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Memorabillia.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

The memorial flag.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

The U.S. Navy Honor Guard Team posts.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

The U.S. Navy Honor Guard Team folds the flag.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

The U.S. Navy Honor Guard Team presents the folded flag to Mike Olsen's son, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Navy, and a grateful nation..

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Mike Olsen's son returns the salute.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Captain Mark Merritt.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Major Dave Clitheroe, a friend of Mike's since childhood.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

The Desert Brass Band, conducted by Charles Musgrave, presents "The Navy Hymn."

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Mike's Brother Dennis Olsen.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Colonel Ron Strickland.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Lt. Colonel Bettie Love.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Mike's Daughter Dennise Fadler.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Colonel Olin Hogan.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Perch Base Chaplain Governor Joy presents the Eternal Patrol Certificate to the family.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Perch Base Commander George Woods tolls the bell during the Eternal Patrol Ceremony.

Michael Olsen Memorial Service

Colonel Terry Griffin plays Taps.

The Memorial Program

The Memorial Program. Left-click to open complete PDF.

View the Sailing List

SAILOR, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.

Eternal Patrol Dolphins
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