Lorna Mahlock

Lorna M. Mahlock
Born	1968 or 1969 (age 56–57) [1] Kingston, Jamaica
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Service years	1985–present
Rank	Major general
Commands	Cyber National Mission Force Marine Air Control Group 18 Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38
Conflicts	Iraq War
Awards	Legion 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] Nominated by President Trump 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

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

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]

On December 15, 2025, she was nominated to be Deputy Commander of United States Cyber Command. If conformed she will be the first Black women to be a Lieutenant General in the United States Military.

Awards

Her personal decorations include: ^[8]

Legion of Merit with one gold award star

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Meritorious Service Medal with three gold award stars

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold award stars

Joint Service Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation

Joint Meritorious Unit Award

Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one service star

National Defense Service Medal with one service star

Iraq Campaign Medal with one service star

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Korea Defense Service Medal

Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with nine service stars

Marksman Rifle Badge

Marksman Pistol Badge

References

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". Archived from the original on August 3, 2018. 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. "For the 1st time, a Black female Marine is set to be a 2-star general". Marine Corps Times. 16 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
7. "BGen Lorna M. Mahlock". Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Headquarters Marine Corps. US Marine Corps. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
8. "BGen Lorna M. Mahlock".

Military offices
Preceded by Dennis Crall	Chief Information Officer of the United States Marine Corps 2018–2021	Succeeded by Joseph Matos
New office	Deputy Director for Combat Support of the Cybersecurity Directorate of the National Security Agency 2021–2024	Succeeded by Melvin G. Carter
Preceded by William J. Hartman	Commander of the Cyber National Mission Force 2024–present	Incumbent