Kenneth J. del Mazo was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps after graduating from the Naval Academy in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. Following graduation, he spent a month in Spain as part of a language program and served as a Graduate Assistant Football Coach at the Naval Academy while awaiting training. He completed the Field Artillery Officer Basic School at Fort Sill, OK after graduating from The Basic School and reported to Battery E, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines in Camp Lejeune, NC.
Second Lieutenant del Mazo served as Forward Observer with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines and supported Exercise Rolling Thunder at Fort Bragg, N.C. He subsequently served as the Fire Direction Officer/HQ Platoon Commander for Battery E, 2d Battalion, 10th Marines where he deployed with the 31st MEU and participated in exercises in the Philippines and mainland Japan. First Lieutenant del Mazo assumed duties as the Executive Officer of Battery F, 2d Battalion, 10th Marines after returning to Camp Lejeune in December 2003. He prepared Battery F for provisional infantry tasks and deployed to Iraq with the advance party in support of OIF 2.2 during August 2004. He directed the combat operations of Battery F, to include its primary mission of convoy security for Third Country Nationals driving tractor-trailers throughout the Al Anbar Province.
First Lieutenant del Mazo assumed command of Headquarters Company, 2d Marine Division after returning from Iraq and was frocked to captain in June 2005. Captain del Mazo returned to Ft. Sill and was assigned to the Gunnery Department of the Officer Instructor Group in September 2005. He served as a gunnery instructor and later served as the Chief of the Gunnery Department. He was also recognized as the Army Training and Doctrine Command Instructor of the Year. Captain del Mazo earned a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma while stationed at Fort Sill. He later completed Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, VA from July 2008 to May 2009, as well as Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course in Yuma, AZ in April of 2009.
Captain del Mazo assumed command of Battery I, 3d Battalion, 10th Marines on June 9, 2009. He deployed to Enhanced Mojave Viper in 29 Palms, CA in August that same year. He then led the Battery during combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM from November 2009 to May 2010. Battery I’s combat operations included mobile and static artillery operations and extensive counterinsurgency efforts in support of Regimental Combat Team 7. He relinquished command of Battery I on July 31, 2010 and assumed duties as the Battalion Logistics Officer. Capt del Mazo was frocked to the rank of Major and departed Camp Lejeune, NC for duty as Commanding Officer, Recruiting Station Fort Lauderdale in April 2011.
Major del Mazo’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of second award) with Combat Distinguishing Device, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.
Major del Mazo hails from Miami, Florida. He is married to the former (omitted) of Miami, Florida. They have a four-year-old daughter and five-month-old son.