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, where he deployed in support of crisis response operations in Liberia/Central African Republic (1995-96), he returned to the cockpit as a flight instructor at HMT-204, the CH-46E fleet replacement squadron (1997). While at HMT-204, he was selected to transition to fly the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
His involvement with the MV-22 commenced with operational testing at HMX-1 (1997-2000) and followed with a tour as an MV-22B instructor, Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and Executive Officer 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), where he deployed to Iraq (2005). Upon returning home he took command of VMM-263, the Marine Corps’ first operational MV-22B squadron, and deployed to Iraq again in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (2006-2008).
After relinquishing command he attended the National War College (2008-09), was promoted to Colonel, and 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 was the Aviation Expeditionary Enabler Branch Chief (APX-1) and V-22 Cell Lead at Headquarters Marine Corps (Aviation)(2013-14).
BGen Rock became the Assistant Wing Commander of 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (2d MAW) in July 2014. He took over as the Commanding General of 2d MAW in June 2015.
Personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal.