Lorna Mahlock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lorna M. Mahlock
Born	1968/1969 (age 56–57) Kingston, Jamaica
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1985–present
Rank	Major general
Commands held	Cyber National Mission Force Marine Air Control Group 18 Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38
Battles/wars	Iraq War
Awards	Legion of Merit (2) Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (4)

Lorna M. Mahlock is a very important leader in the United States Marine Corps. She was born in 1968 or 1969. Since January 5, 2024, she has been in charge of the Cyber National Mission Force. This is a special team that works with computers and online security.

In 2018, she made history. She became the first Black woman to be chosen for promotion to brigadier general in the Marine Corps. Then, in December 2022, she became the first Black woman to reach the rank of major general in the Marine Corps. This was a huge step forward!

Early Life and Education

Lorna Mahlock was born in Kingston, Jamaica. When she was young, she moved to Brooklyn, New York. She decided to join the United States Marine Corps.

She was chosen for a special program. This program helped enlisted Marines become officers. She went to Marquette University and finished her studies. In December 1991, she officially became an officer in the Marine Corps.

Military Career and Leadership

Lorna Mahlock became an Air Traffic Control Officer. This means she helped guide airplanes safely. She earned special certifications for controlling air traffic. She also became an expert in Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics.

She has led many different teams around the world. She also served in combat zones. Some of her important roles included:

• Leading an Air Traffic Control team.
• Working as an Executive Officer.
• Directing a school for Marine Corps instructors.
• Helping plan future operations for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
• Commanding a company during Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom 1.
• Serving as an Operations and Executive Officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2.
• Leading a team that tested new air command and control systems.
• Commanding a unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom 8.
• Working in information management.
• Leading land operations at the United States European Command.
• Working with the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs.

In December 2022, she received her second star. This made her a Major General. She was the first Black woman to achieve this high rank in the US Marine Corps.

Advanced Studies

Major General Mahlock has studied a lot. She has several master's degrees. She earned one in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma. She also has a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. Another master's degree is in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. She also has a special certificate in Information Operations from the Naval Postgraduate School. She also studied at the United Kingdom Joint Services Command and Staff College.

Awards and Recognition

Major General Mahlock has received many awards for her service. These awards show her bravery and leadership. Some of her top awards include:

• The Legion of Merit (twice)
• The Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• The Meritorious Service Medal (four times)
• The Joint Service Commendation Medal
• The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
• The Joint Service Achievement Medal
• The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
• The United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation
• The Joint Meritorious Unit Award
• The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
• The National Defense Service Medal
• The Iraq Campaign Medal
• The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• The Korea Defense Service Medal
• The Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

Images for kids

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  Rifle Marksman Badge

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  Pistol Marksman Badge