In 2018, Lorna M. Mahlock became the first Black woman in the United States Marine Corps to be nominated as a brigadier general, which was a historic moment. Mahlock was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to Brooklyn, New York, at the age of 17.

After just three months of living in Brooklyn, she joined the Marines and was selected for the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program. She graduated from Marquette University and was commissioned in December 1991.

Mahlock became an Air Traffic Control Officer and obtained certifications as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Tower controller and a marine aviation weapons and tactics instructor. She has led and commanded in various levels across the globe and in combat.

Mahlock is proud of the increasing diversity in the Marine Corps and recognizes the accomplishments of women in many different roles. "We’ve got women flying strike aircraft, women in the infantry, artillery, and tanks. Regardless of where you’re from or your color, gender, or ethnicity, we’re just trying to figure out how to build the best fighting force," she said to Marquette University.

Currently, Mahlock serves as the director of Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) and a deputy of the Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Marine Corps. Previously, she was a deputy director of Headquarters Marine Corps Plans, Policy and Operations and was a commanding officer of Marine Air Control Group 18 in Okinawa, Japan.

Throughout her career, Mahlock has received numerous awards such as the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

She is proud of the increased diversity in the Marine Corps and currently serves as the director of Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4).