OLSON, BRANDON LEE

Brandon Lee Olson was born on July 22, 1997 in Tulsa Oklahoma and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 24, 2015. Upon completion of his Navy training, FC2 Olson was stationed on board the U.S.S. Fitzgerald, a Guided Missile Destroyer on April 27,2017.   

FC2 Olson was on board the U.S.S. Fitzgerald when it collided on June 17, 2017 with a Philippine-flagged merchant vessel resulting in death of seven U.S. Navy Sailors. Brandon was hand-selected as one of only 19 crew members to remain stationed aboard the U.S.S. Fitzgerald when it went into the shipyard in Pascagoula for repairs.   

Navy leaders called FC2 Olson a model Petty Officer and his untimely passing drew attention from both the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.  

Brandon was close to his family and according to them, he was a bright you man, that was quirky, loving, and giving to a fault. Also, they stated that Brandon would help anyone in need, even as a teenager. Just prior to his death, Brandon donated bone marrow to help someone in critical need. One fellow classmate stated that Brandon was “outgoing and always caring of his friends and was proud to be in the Navy”. 

FC2 Olson joined the Navy and had planned to make a career out of it.   

Brandon is laid to rest at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside CA. and his tomb marker so adequately states “life happens wear a helmet”. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers FC2 Brandon Lee Olson for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.