PESH Alumnus Helps Airlift Artemis II Crew

A Plano ISD graduate is helping make history in a way most people only dream about.

Daniel Olson, a 2020 graduate of Plano East Senior High School, recently played a key role in the recovery of the Artemis II crew after their return to Earth. The mission brought astronauts safely back from their journey, landing in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego.

Olson was among the Navy sailors responsible for airlifting the crew from the Orion space capsule and transporting them to the U.S.S John P. Murtha for evaluation before returning them to land. He serves with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 as an aviation electrician’s mate, a role he stepped into just a year after joining the Navy.

For Olson, the experience stands out as a defining moment.

“My proudest accomplishment is being part of this mission in helping NASA,” he shared. “I’m also proud of being able to work side by side with my team and contribute, even while I’m still new.”

His journey reflects the kind of opportunities that begin in Plano ISD. From strong academic foundations to college and career readiness, students are prepared to take on challenges that reach far beyond North Texas. Olson’s story is also a reminder that Plano ISD alumni continue to leave their mark by building legacies that inspire the next generation.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do more and see more in my life,” Olson said. “I want to have stories I can pass down in my family.”

Photo credit: Navy Office of Community Outreach