Mario Maestas was born on May 15, 1981, in Louisville, Colorado. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 15, 1998, and went on active duty to begin basic training on August 16, 1999. Maestas completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in October 1999, and then attended Anti-Submarine Warfare training at the Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, San Diego, California, from October to December 1999. Petty Officer Maestas next attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, from December 1999 to August 2000, followed by service with SEAL Team FOUR at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from October to December 2000. His final assignment was with SEAL Team TWO at NAB Little Creek from December 2000 until he was killed in a training accident at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, on July 3, 2003. During this time he participated in combat operations in Kosovo with his Team in 2002. Mario Maestas was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boulder, Colorado.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.