Lorna Mahlock Named Deputy at U.S. Cyber Command

Lt. Gen. Lorna Mahlock has been named deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command, becoming the first woman to serve in the command’s No. 2 role. The appointment, first reported in the DefenseScoop article “Lorna Mahlock becomes deputy commander of Cyber Command” by Brandi Vincent, marks another milestone in Mahlock’s trailblazing career and signals a continued focus on leadership continuity and cyber readiness at one of the military’s most critical operational centers.

Mahlock, a Marine Corps officer confirmed for her third star in late 2022, previously served as director of operations (J3) at Cyber Command. In that role, she was responsible for overseeing the daily execution of full-spectrum cyber missions, a responsibility that offered her intimate familiarity with the command’s operational tempo, emerging threats, and ongoing challenges in cyberspace.

Her promotion comes at a time of increasing global cyber tension, with adversaries accelerating their development of digital warfare capabilities. Cyber Command plays a pivotal role in not just defending DOD networks, but in contributing to broader deterrence strategies, conducting offensive cyber operations when authorized, and working in concert with allies to counter both state and non-state actors in the cyber domain.

Before joining Cyber Command, Mahlock held several significant positions, including as assistant deputy commandant for information at Marine Corps headquarters, and deputy director for combat support at the National Security Agency (NSA). Her experience bridges the gap between strategic command responsibilities and the application of cyber capabilities across the joint force.

Officials cited in the original DefenseScoop report highlight Mahlock’s extensive background in cyberspace operations, command leadership, and multi-domain integration as key assets in her new role. As deputy commander, Mahlock is expected to play a crucial part in shaping future operational doctrines, advancing joint capabilities, and guiding the command through rapidly evolving technological and geopolitical landscapes.

Her rise also underscores broader efforts within the Department of Defense to promote diversity across all echelons of leadership and harness the talents of highly qualified officers from across the armed services. Mahlock previously made history in 2018 as the first Black woman to be nominated for brigadier general in the Marine Corps.

Cyber Command has grown significantly since its stand-up in 2010, evolving from a supporting entity under U.S. Strategic Command to a full unified combatant command in 2018. Its workforce, partnerships, and mission sets have since expanded, with increasing emphasis placed on persistent engagement and real-time active defense in cyberspace.

With Mahlock assuming the deputy commander post, she joins Gen. Timothy Haugh, who recently took over as commander following Gen. Paul Nakasone’s retirement. Together, Mahlock and Haugh are expected to steer the command through an era marked by rapid digital transformation, artificial intelligence integration, and a widening attack surface across both military and civilian infrastructure.

As cyber operations grow in prominence within national security strategy, Mahlock’s appointment represents not only a personal achievement but a continuation of Cyber Command’s evolution toward a more agile, inclusive, and mission-ready force.