Vice Adm. Gaucher is a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He is a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Central Florida.

Gaucher’s operational assignments include service in both fast attack and ballistic missile submarines including service as division officer, USS Flying Fish (SSN 673), navigator/operations officer, USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723), executive officer, USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (BLUE), commanding officer, USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705), and Commodore, Submarine Development Squadron 5.

During these tours he completed three strategic deterrent patrols as well as deployments to the Pacific, Arctic, Caribbean, North Atlantic, and Mediterranean.

Staff assignments include instructor duty at Naval Nuclear Power School; flag aide for the Commander Submarine Forces; Maritime Operations branch head at U.S. Pacific Command; director, Operational Support Branch, Chief of Naval Operations staff; chief of staff, Commander Submarine Force Atlantic.

 During his command tour, USS City of Corpus Christi completed two Western Pacific mission cycles, and a homeport change to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii while earning two Meritorious Unit Commendations and the Submarine Squadron 15 Battle Efficiency ‘E’. While serving in major command of Development Squadron Five he was responsible for the Seawolf class submarines, Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Squadron 1, and several special project ocean engineering and research and development detachments. DEVRON 5 earned the Navy Unit Commendation during his tour.

Gaucher’s flag tours include director, Maritime Headquarters (N03), U.S. Pacific Fleet,  Commander, Submarine Group 9/Task Group 114.3 where he commanded Pacific ballistic and guided missile submarines, and director, Strategic Integration (N2N6T) on the Navy staff. Most recently he was assigned as a Special Assistant at U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Gaucher assumed his current duties in December 2023 as commander, Submarine Forces. He is the undersea domain lead, and is responsible for the submarine force's strategic vision. As commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, he commands all Atlantic-based U.S. submarines, their crews and supporting shore activities. These responsibilities also include duties as commander, Task Force (CTF) 114, CTF 88, and CTF 46. As commander, Allied Submarine Command, he is the principle undersea warfare advisor to all North Atlantic Treaty Organization strategic commanders.

Gaucher has earned various personal and unit awards and is particularly honored to be recognized as an Honorary Acoustic Intelligence (ACINT) Specialist.