Lorna Mahlock
Lorna M. Mahlock (born 1968) is a senior officer in the United States Marine Corps who currently serves as the Deputy Director for Combat Support of the National Security Agency's Cybersecurity Directorate. Her prior assignment was as the Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) and the Deputy Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer of the Marine Corps. In 2018, she became the first black woman to be nominated for promotion to Brigadier General in the United States Marine Corps. Prior to being promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, she served as the Deputy Director  of Operations, Plans, Policies, and Operation Directorate at Headquarters, United States Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. 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 ; 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. 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. Mahlock's personal awards include: Legion of Merit with gold award star; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with three gold award stars; Joint Service Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster; Navy and Marine Corps  Commendation Medal with two gold award stars; Joint Service Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; and Good Conduct Medal.