Lorna Mahlock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lorna M. Mahlock
Born	1968 or 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	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 (born around 1968 or 1969) is a very important United States Marine Corps officer. She holds the rank of major general. Since January 5, 2024, she has been in charge of the Cyber National Mission Force.

In 2018, she made history. She became the first Black woman to be chosen for promotion to brigadier general in the United States Marine Corps. Then, in December 2022, she became the first Black female major general in the entire history of the Marine Corps.

Early Life and Education

Lorna Mahlock was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She later moved to Brooklyn, New York. There, she joined the United States Marine Corps.

She was chosen for a special program that helps enlisted Marines become officers. She then went to Marquette University. After graduating, she officially became an officer in December 1991.

Her Military Journey

Lorna Mahlock became an Air Traffic Control Officer. This means she helped guide airplanes safely. She also earned special certifications. These included being a Federal Aviation Administration Tower Local Controller. She also became a Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Instructor.

Throughout her career, she has led many different teams. She worked all over the world and in combat zones. Her roles included leading air traffic control units. She also served as an Executive Officer. She helped manage training schools. She was an Air Control Officer for future operations.

Mahlock commanded units during important missions. These included Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. She also worked in information management. She was a key leader at the United States European Command headquarters. She also worked 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 reach this high rank in the US Marine Corps.

Mahlock has several advanced degrees. She studied Adult and Higher Education at the University of Oklahoma. She also earned degrees in National Security and Strategic Studies. These were from the Naval War College and the United States Army War College. She also has a certificate in Information Operations. This was from the Naval Postgraduate School. She also completed a special course in the United Kingdom.

Key Awards and Recognition

Major General Mahlock has received many honors. These awards recognize her bravery and excellent service. Some of her top awards include:

• Legion of Merit (received twice)
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal (received four times)

These awards show her dedication and leadership.

Images for kids

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  A badge showing skill with a rifle.

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  A badge showing skill with a pistol.