Lorna Mahlock

Lorna M. Mahlock (born 1968/1969) is a United States Marine Corps lieutenant general who has served as deputy commander of the United States Cyber Command since March 2026. She previously served as commander of the Cyber National Mission Force from January 5, 2024 to March 20, 2026. 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. 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 U.S. Marine Corps. as the first Black woman to be appointed as a lieutenant general in the United States Marine Corps.

Awards Her personal decorations include:

Legion of Merit with one gold award starDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal with three gold award starsJoint Service Commendation MedalNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold award starsJoint Service Achievement Medal with one oak leaf clusterNavy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalUnited States Navy Presidential Unit CitationJoint Meritorious Unit AwardMarine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one service starNational Defense Service Medal with one service starIraq Campaign Medal with one service starGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalKorea Defense Service MedalSea Service Deployment Ribbon with nine service starsMarksman Rifle BadgeMarksman Pistol Badge