Rear Adm. Mahr was born in Elizabeth, N.J., and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. In 1984, Mahr was designated a naval flight officer. In 2001, he earned a Master of Science degree, "with distinction", from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.

His early operational assignments as an A-6E Intruder bombardier/navigator included tours with the "Green Lizards" of Attack Squadron (VA) 95, and the VA-115 "Eagles." He also served as a tactics instructor at the Medium Attack Weapons School, Pacific in Whidbey Island, Wash.

Mahr has served in numerous acquisition billets, including Test and Evaluation manager; chief engineer for the Joint Standoff Weapon; deputy program manager for a joint Navy-Air Force research program; and, chief of staff for the Program Executive Officer, Tactical Aircraft Programs.�@He was the first naval officer to serve as vice commandant at the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Additionally, Mahr served in command as program manager (PMA-231) for the E-2 Hawkeye, C-2 Greyhound Aircraft programs, and program manager (PMA-251) for the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment used aboard Navy and Coast Guard ships and Marine Corps expeditionary airfields.

Mahr’s previous flag officer assignments include commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, and assistant commander for Research and Engineering, Naval Air Systems Command.

In his current flag role, Mahr is serving as deputy program executive officer for the F-35 Lightning II Program, the Department of Defense’s initiative for defining affordable and sustainable fifth-generation aircraft.

During his career, Mahr has received several personal and unit awards as well as additional professional recognitions and commendations.