Lorna Mahlock

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Lorna M. Mahlock
Born1968 or 1969 (age 54–55)[1]
Kingston, Jamaica
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Marine Corps
Years of service1985–present
RankMajor general
Commands heldMarine Air Control Group 18
Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38
Battles/warsIraq War
AwardsLegion of Merit (2)
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (4)

Lorna M. Mahlock (born 1968/1969) is a United States Marine Corps major general who has served as commander of the Cyber National Mission Force since January 5, 2024.[2] In 2018, she became the first Black woman to be nominated for promotion to brigadier general in the United States Marine Corps.[3][4][5] In December 2022, she became the first black female major general in the history of the Marine Corps.[6]

Early life and education[edit]

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Mahlock immigrated to Brooklyn, New York and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. She was selected for the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program, graduated from Marquette University and was commissioned in December 1991.

Military career[edit]

Designated as an Air Traffic Control Officer, Mahlock earned certifications as a Federal Aviation Administration Tower Local Controller and a Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Instructor. She has commanded and led at various levels globally and in combat including but not limited to: Air Traffic Control Detachment Commander; Executive Officer 1st Stinger Battery; Director Marine Corps Instructional Management School; Air Control Officer G3 Future Operations 1st Marine Aircraft Wing; Company Commander Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom 1; Operations and Executive Officer Operation Iraqi Freedom 2; Director Marine Air Command and Control System Experimental; Commanding Officer Iraqi Freedom 8; Information Management Officer; J3 Land Operations Lead and Division Executive Officer, Headquarters European Command; Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs and Assistant Chief of Staff G6.[7]

In December 2022, she received her second star and became the first Black female Major General in the US Marine Corps.[6]

Mahlock holds a master's degree in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma at Norman; a Master in National Security and Strategic Studies with distinction from the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island; a Master in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College; and a Master Certificate in Information Operations from the Naval Postgraduate School. She is also a Higher Command and Staff Course graduate of the United Kingdom Joint Services Command and Staff College.[7]

Awards[edit]

Mahlock's personal awards include: Legion of Merit with gold award star; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with three gold award stars; Joint Service Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold award stars; Joint Service Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; and Good Conduct Medal.[7]

References[edit]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from Director HQMC C4. United States Marine Corps.

  1. ^ Schogol, Jeff (13 April 2018). "A decorated colonel is set to be the first black woman to serve as a Marine Corps general". Business Insider. Mahlock, 49, has served in the prestigious post of deputy director of plans, policies and operations since July 2017.
  2. ^ "CNMF receives new commander". U.S. Cyber Command. Fort George G. Meade: Cyber National Mission Force. 2024-01-05. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  3. ^ Mascall, Kandis; Ramos, Stephanie (Apr 12, 2018). "Marine Corps selects 1st black woman to be a general officer". ABC News. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  4. ^ Mattis, James (April 10, 2018). "General Officer Announcements: U.S. Department of Defense". Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  5. ^ Tatum, Sophie (12 April 2018). "1st black woman nominated to be Marine brigadier general". CNN politics. 2016 Cable News Network. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  6. ^ a b "For the 1st time, a Black female Marine is set to be a 2-star general". Marine Corps Times. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  7. ^ a b c "BGen Lorna M. Mahlock". Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Headquarters Marine Corps. US Marine Corps. Retrieved 13 March 2019.


Military offices
Preceded by Chief Information Officer of the United States Marine Corps
2018–2021
Succeeded by
Preceded by Deputy Director for Combat Support of the National Security Agency
2023–2024
Succeeded by
Preceded by Commander of the Cyber National Mission Force
2024–present
Incumbent