Rear Adm. W. Grant Mager is a native of Annapolis, Maryland and a 1988 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He also holds a master’s degree in Business Administration rom the Naval Postgraduate School and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College.

He began his career as a F-14 Tomcat pilot with the Black Aces of Fighter Squadron 41 (VF 41) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during which time he attended Topgun and served as the squadron air-to-air training officer.

Following sea duty, he transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet, serving as an adversary instructor with the Fighter Squadron Composite Twelve (VFC 12) Fighting Omars in the Navy’s only 4th Generation Adversary Squadron.

In 1998, Mager joined the Navy Reserve (NR) and was reassigned to VFC 12, assuming command in 2006. During his tenure, his shipmates earned the Golden Wrench for Maintenance Excellence and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety ‘S’ award.

Subsequent command tours included Navy Reserve (NR) Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, NR Navy Information Operations Command Norfolk, and NR Maritime Operations Center Headquarters at United States Fleet Forces Command. He also served as executive officer at NR NATO Allied Command Transformation Detachment Norfolk and as reserve chief staff officer at United States Fleet Forces Command. In 2016, he mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa to serve as the chief staff officer for a Special Operations Joint Task Force.

Previous flag officer assignments include reserve director, Maritime Operations and director of Plans and Policy (N5), both with the U.S. Pacific Fleet; and vice director, Navy staff and reserve deputy director, Assessments (OPNAV N81), both with the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Mager assumed responsibilities as acting deputy chief of Navy Reserve in October 2022. In this capacity, he supports the Chief in the development of strategic plans, policy, and budget for the 59,000 members of the U.S. Navy Reserve Component.

In his civilian career, Mager is the founder and president of a technical services company that specializes in aviation consulting and complex system test and evaluation.

Mager accumulated over 3500 military flight hours and more than 200 carrier arrested landings. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal. In addition, he was awarded the Rear Admiral McCellan Award for academic excellence from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Last Updated: 8 March 2024