In a significant change of command ceremony at the U.S. Cyber Command Headquarters on Friday, January 5, 2024, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William J. Hartman handed over the reins of the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF) to U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Lorna Mahlock. This military tradition symbolizes the formal transfer of authority and responsibility, ensuring continuity of leadership for the elite cyber warriors defending the nation in cyberspace.
Photo from: Cyber Daily
Maj. Gen. Lorna Mahlock Assumes Leadership
During the ceremony, U.S. Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, commander of CYBERCOM, presided over the symbolic passing of the guidon from outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Hartman to the incoming commander, Maj. Gen. Mahlock. In her first address as CNMF commander, Maj. Gen. Mahlock expressed her honor and recognized the crucial role the command plays in safeguarding the nation against cyber threats.
Maj. Gen. Mahlock highlighted the extraordinary work of the nation’s elite cyber warriors, acknowledging the reality of the cyber threat that few can fully comprehend. With over 2,000 joint service military and civilian personnel under her command, she emphasized the importance of their daily efforts to deter, disrupt, and, if necessary, defeat adversary cyber and malign influence actors.
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Acknowledging Maj. Gen. Hartman’s Leadership Legacy
Maj. Gen. Hartman, who led CNMF since August 2019, leaves a legacy of growth and maturation for the force. Under his guidance, CNMF achieved key milestones, including the creation of a task force to counter emerging threats and its evolution into a subordinate unified command under U.S. Cyber Command in 2022. As he assumed the role of U.S. Cyber Command deputy commander, Hartman expressed pride in the accomplishments of the dedicated cyber force and its vital role in defending the nation.
Gen. Nakasone lauded Maj. Gen. Hartman’s essential contributions to CNMF’s growth over the last four and a half years. He also highlighted Maj. Gen. Mahlock’s extensive experience in cybersecurity, gained from serving within the National Security Agency, expresses confidence in her ability to strengthen partnerships, integrate operations, and ensure CNMF remains prepared to defend the nation against evolving cyber threats.
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