Donald E. Auten, a native of Southern California, graduated from Long Beach State University and Salve Regina University, receiving a Master of Science degree and the Naval War College, where he earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Although originally trained as a light-attack pilot, he graduated from TOPGUN fighter and adversary courses and became an adversary instructor pilot in four adversary commands. In the course of seventeen years of training and operational flying, Donald completed six squadron assignments and logged nearly five thousand hours. He retired from the Navy as a Captain (O-6) following a twenty-seven-year career and completed several staff postings on both coasts, and a three-year assignment at the Pentagon as a Joint Strategic Plans Officer, and two commanding officer assignments:  Commanding Officer of VFC-12 and Commanding Officer of Naval Air Reserve, San Diego. 

Following his release from active duty Don was worked at Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command (SEALs) in Coronado, Ca, as a Future Force Planner. 

He makes his home in Etna, Wyoming and Coronado, California with his wife, Katherine Sullivan Auten. Donald is the author of Roger Ball!, Odyssey of a Navy Fighter Pilot,  Alika, Odyssey of a Navy Dolphin and soon to be released, Black Lion ONE.