On 27 June 2017, BGen Rock becomes the 27th Commanding General of Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler.
Brigadier General Rock was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1988 upon graduation from the US Naval Academy. Designated a Naval Aviator in 1990, he flew the CH-46E Sea Knight while serving in HMM-263, MAG-29, 2d MAW during operational deployments to the Mediterranean, eastern Africa, the Persian Gulf, and the former Republic of Yugoslavia (1991-95). Following duty as the Air Officer for 3rd Bn, 8th Mar, 2d MarDiv (1995-96), he returned to the cockpit as a flight instructor at HMT-204 (1997).
His involvement with the MV-22 Osprey commenced with operational testing at HMX-1 (1997-2000) and as an instructor at VMMT-204 (2000-03). He was then selected as the “plankowner” Aircraft Maintenance Officer for the standup of the Corps’ dedicated operational test squadron, VMX-22 (2003-2005). He next reported to the 2d MAW (Forward) staff in G-3 (Plans) and deployed to Iraq (2005). Upon his return, he took command of VMM-263, the Marine Corps’ first operational MV-22B squadron, and again deployed to Iraq in support of OIF (2006-2008).
After relinquishing command of VMM-263, BGen Rock attended the National War College (2008-2009) and then took command of VMMT-204, the Joint USMC/USAF MV-22B training squadron (2009-11). That command tour was followed by duty in the J-5 Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (Deputy Directorate-Asia) of the Joint Staff (2011-13). He then became the Aviation Expeditionary Enabler Branch Chief and V-22 Cell Lead at Headquarters Marine Corps (2013-14).
In July 2014, BGen Rock became the Assistant Wing Commander of 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (2d MAW) before taking over as the Commanding General of 2d MAW in June 2015. Prior to taking Command of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, BGen Rock served as US Southern Command’s J5 - Director of Strategy, Policy, & Plans.
BGen Rock’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit/campaign awards.