Rear Adm. Mauer is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Villanova University in May 1976 where he also earned his commission as an ensign via the Villanova University NROTC program.

His first assignment was in Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 5 (HS-5), embarked in USS Independence (CV 62) where he awaited commencement of Flight School. He entered the Pilot training program in November 1976 and earned his designation as a naval aviator in April 1978. Upon completion of the SH-3 FRS, he reported aboard Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 11 (HS-11), embarked in USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). He made two Mediterranean deployments as the material control officer, line division officer, and quality assurance officer in HS-11.

In December 1981, Mauer entered the Naval Postgraduate School where he earned a Master of Science in Management. In October 1983, he reported aboard USS Saipan (LHA 2) as a flight deck officer and later as an aircraft handling officer. Aboard Saipan, he made a North Atlantic and a Mediterranean deployment. Mauer transferred to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 1 (HS-1), Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, in January 1986, as an FRS Instructor pilot in the SH-3H helicopter. He later transferred to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 5 (HS-5) in July 1987 for a Department Head tour as operations officer and maintenance officer.

While assigned to HS-5, he made one deployment to the Mediterranean Sea onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). He reported to the H-60 Program Office (PMA-266), at the Naval Air Systems Command in Washington, D.C., in April 1990, as an assistant deputy program manager for the SH-60F and HH-60H helicopters. During this tour, he attended the Defense Systems Management College (DSMC) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and was subsequently selected as an Acquisition Professional (AP).

In January 1992, he reported aboard Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 7 (HS-7), on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), as executive officer. Upon completion of a Mediterranean deployment, he assumed duties as the commanding officer in April 1993. HS-7 was later reassigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

Mauer reported aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the Adriatic Sea as the Navigator in July 1994. He made two Mediterranean deployments, including three transits to the Arabian Gulf and participated in UN operations off the former Yugoslavia before departing in June 1996. In July 1996, he assumed command of the HS Fleet Replacement Squadron, Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 10 (HS-10), stationed in NAS North Island, California, and transitioned to the SH-60F helicopter. He assumed duties as executive officer, USS Nassau (LHA 4), in September 1998 and completed a Mediterranean deployment where Nassau participated in NATO Peace Keeping Operations in Kosovo. After assuming command of Nassau in April 2000, he led her through the inter-deployment training cycle and a Mediterranean deployment. Mauer was assigned to the Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., as assistant deputy director for Information Operations in the J-3 Directorate (J-3/DDIO) from August 2001 to September 2003. Mauer reported to Headquarters, Supreme Allied Commander, Transformation (SACT), in September 2003 and was assigned as the deputy assistant chief of staff (DACOS), Joint Experimentation, Exercises, and Assessment (JEEA) until July 2006. Mauer, Jr. last served as the Commandant, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.

Last Updated: 25 March 2025