Commander Olivier was born in Seattle, Washington and attended the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. After graduating in May of 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering, he was commissioned under the NROTC program. Commander Olivier completed Nuclear Power Training at Orlando, Florida and Ballston Spa, New York, and Submarine Officer Basic Training in Groton, Connecticut.
Commander Olivier served on USS MEMPHIS SSN691 homeported in Norfolk, Virginia from September 1981 until July 1985. During this tour he served as Reactor Controls Assistant, Damage Control Assistant and Combat Systems Officer, and conducted two overseas deployments. Following this tour, Commander Olivier attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he received Masters Degrees in Meteorology and Oceanography. He then attended Submarine Officer Advanced Course in Groton, Connecticut.
Commander Olivier then served as Engineering Officer on the USS ALASKA SSBN732 (Gold), homeported in Bangor, Washington from June 1988 until November 1990, completing four strategic deterrent patrols. In November 1990 he was assigned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, DC, where he served in the Submarine Officer Assignment Branch as the Submarine Department Head Detailer.
From April 1993 to September 1996 Commander Olivier served as Officer in Charge, SUBMARINE NR-1, a unique nuclear-powered research submarine. During this tour SUBMARINE NR-1 conducted four deployments, two of these overseas, and received two Special Category Battle Efficiency "E" awards and two Engineering "E" awards.
Commander Olivier assumed command of the USS BOSTON SSN703 in April of 1997 when he advised Commander Christopher Klyne USN: "I relieve you, sir."
Commander Olivier's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).
Commander Olivier is married to the former Patricia Linehan of Beverly, Massachusetts. they have three children, Paul, Mark and Christine.
