CDR Richard Mayer

Past Executive Officer, USS Benfold (DDG 65)

12 October 2022 Cmdr. Richard Mayer, a native of Virginia Beach, VA, graduated with merit from the U. S. Naval Academy in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in ocean engineering. He graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2007 with a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering.

At sea, Mayer served as strike and auxiliaries officers onboard USS Lassen (DDG 82) before fleeting up as navigator, deploying throughout the U. S. 7th Fleet; then as operations officer onboard USS Porter (DDG 78), deploying throughout the U. S. 6th Fleet.

As commanding officer of USS Hurricane (PC 3), he deployed throughout the U. S. 5th Fleet, conducting maritime security operations and exercises with allied and partner nations.

Ashore, Mayer served as a master instructor in the Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering Department and master skipper on 44′ Sail Training Craft at the U. S. Naval Academy.  Additionally, he served as an instructor and course coordinator in the Senior Officer Training Directorate at the Surface Warfare Officers School.  He most recently served as the federal executive fellow at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

Mayer’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards.