Lorna Mahlock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lorna M. Mahlock
Born	1968 or 1969 (age 55–56) 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 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. In 2018, she became the first Black woman to be nominated for promotion to brigadier general in the United States Marine Corps. In December 2022, she became the first black female major general in the history of the Marine Corps.

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.

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

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.

Awards

Her personal decorations include: