Member of the Class of 1984 and Varsity Wrestling Team.
Captain Christopher B. Olaes, a native of San Diego, California, is a 1988 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation. After completing Surface Warfare Officer School, in Newport, Rhode Island, he reported to the USS GALLERY (FFG 26) as the ASW Officer during deployment in support of Operation Earnest Will. He later served as the Damage Control Assistant. During Operation Desert Storm, Captain Olaes also served as the Boat Officer and Boarding Officer, leading a joint USN/USCG Boarding Team that conducted 93 boardings of various vessels transiting the Red Sea.
Captain Olaes left active duty in 1992 and affiliated with the Navy Reserve, joining Military Sealift Command, Central Facilities SOUTHPAC 119 as a Survey and Inspection Officer. In January 1994, he transferred to Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 106 as the Surface Surveillance Officer. In October 2000, he transferred to Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 105 as the Training Department Head. He was recalled to active duty in support of Operation Noble Eagle and was selected to serve as the Executive Officer in October of 2002. In October 2004, Captain Olaes took command of Inshore Boat Unit 16 and was recalled to active duty in February 2005, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, providing essential Force Protection for maritime assets at the Port of Ash Shuaiba, Kuwait and Kuwait Navy Base. Captain Olaes took command of Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 103 in December 2006 and took command of Maritime Expeditionary Boat Division 11 in December 2007. In December 2008, Captain Olaes was assigned to United States Pacific Command in Camp Smith, Hawaii as an Action Officer with the Current Maritime Operations Desk in the Joint Operations Center. In April 2010, he was recalled to active duty and served as the Chief Staff Officer of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron ELEVEN. In November 2010, he joined the headquarters and staff of Commander, US Naval Forces Korea as the Operations Officer (N3), Battle Watch Captain for CTF-778 and Navy Liaison Officer at United States Forces Korea – Main. In December 2014, he began his assignment as Commanding Officer of SPAWAR 302, based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and completing his tour in 2016. He continued serving in the Navy Reserve until retirement in 2018, completing thirty years of commissioned service.
Captain Olaes is authorized to wear the Surface Warfare Officer Insignia, Command At Sea Insignia, Command Ashore Insignia, Small Craft Officer Insignia and Merchant Marine Navy Reserve Insignia. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and several other unit and personal decorations.
Captain Olaes is a member of the International Longshore Workers Union, Local 63, working as a Vessel Planner for American President Lines, responsible for planning the discharge and loading of various classes of containerships in the Port of Los Angeles. He holds a US Merchant Marine Officer license in continuity (Master of Steam or Motor Vessels of Not More Than 1600 Gross Registered Tons (Domestic), 3000 Gross Tons (ITC) Upon Oceans; Also, Second Mate Of Steam or Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons Upon Oceans).
In addition to his work in the Port of Los Angeles, Captain Olaes also serves as an Outside Director on the Board of Directors and Government Security Committee of D3 Technologies, Inc., a premier design and engineering services firm headquartered in San Diego, California.
Chris resides in Long Beach, CA with his children, Ali, Natalie and Thomas, and is really happy to be a part of the MMHS Alumni Association. “I know this association will help us keep connected to each other and to our high school. This will help us stay informed, work together and help us coordinate celebrations with events at school.”
Chris has elected to share his email address and phone number with MMHS Alumni Association members. To contact Chris, please view the Member Contact List on the MMHS Alumni Association private Facebook group. We do not share member emails and/or phone numbers on our public site, to prevent spammers.
Check Out Chris’ Personal Links
Facebook
LinkedIn
Are you a Mira Mesa High School alumni, but not yet a member of the official MMHS Alumni Association? If so, what are you waiting for?? The MMHS Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3) that’s committed to fanning the Marauder flame in ALL MMHS alumnus, young and old! We hold yearly events, award scholarships, and support current MMHS faculty, student and team endeavors through a variety of grants! Join today, get your exclusive swag, and help support your alma mater! GO MARAUDERS!
