Francis L. Donovan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Service years | 1988–present |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands | United States Southern Command 2nd Marine Division 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade 24th MEU |
| Conflicts | Gulf War Iraq War |
| Awards | Silver Star Defense Superior Service Medal (3) Legion of Merit (2) |
| Alma mater | Towson University Marine Corps Command and Staff College U.S. Army War College |
Francis L. Donovan is a United States Marine Corps lieutenant general who serves as the vice commander of the United States Special Operations Command. He has served as the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Division from 2020 to 2022. [1] [2] [3]
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As a LtCol, Donovan served as Executive Officer of Marine Corps Special Operations Command Detachment One (Det One) from 16 April 2005 to 10 March 2006. [4] He later served as the Assistant Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Prior to JSOC, Major General Donovan spent two years as the Commanding General of Naval Amphibious Forces, Task Force 51 / 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade – known as Task Force 51/5. [5]
Donovan earned a B.A. degree in geography from Towson University. He later received a Master of Military Studies degree from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and a Master of Strategic Studies degree the U.S. Army War College. [6]
After division command, he served as the director of Marine Corps Communication. [3]
In September 2022, Donovan was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general with assignment as vice commander, U.S. Special Operations Command. He was confirmed 15 December 2022. [7]
In December 2025, President Donald Trump nominated him United States Southern Command Commander, and he will be promoted to four star general. [8]
