Karsten Heckl

Karsten Heckl
Karsten Heckl
Birth name	Karsten Selby Heckl
Nickname(s)	Hazel
Born	Stone Mountain, Georgia, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1988–2024
Rank	Lieutenant General
Commands	Marine Corps Combat Development Command; I Marine Expeditionary Force; 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing; MAWTS-1; VMM-162;
Battles / wars	War in Afghanistan; Iraq War;
Awards	Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2); Bronze Star Medal (2);
Alma mater	Georgia State University (BA)

Karsten Selby Heckl (born September 2, 1964) is a retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant general who last served as the deputy commandant for combat development and integration and commanding general of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, from 2021 to 2024. Heckl previously served as the commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force. He previously served as commander of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

On 30 October 2023, Heckl was made acting Commandant of the United States Marine Corps when Commandant Eric Smith was hospitalized, until he was relieved of his duties as acting Commandant when General Christopher J. Mahoney was sworn in as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps on 3 November 2023.