Chief Hanlon enlisted in the Navy in March 1986.  Following completion of Recruit Training and Aviation Apprentiship Training at Recruit Training Command Orlando, Florida, she reported to Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida with a follow-on tour Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Two (HC2) in Norfolk, VA. In March 1989 she reported to Cryptologic Technician (Administrative) “A” school at Naval Technical Training Center Corry at Corry Station, Pensacola. Florida.

Upon graduation she reported to Naval Security Group Detachment Norfolk VA/CINCLANTFLT, as an Administrative Assistant. Chief completed shore assignments at Naval Security Group Detachment Norfolk/CINCLANTFLT, Naval Security Group Activity Medina (Plankowner), Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Naval Information Warfare Activity, National Security Agency/Central Security Agency, Naval Security Group Activity Maryland, and Naval Security Group Activity Kunia/Navy Information Operations Command, Hawaii as Special Security Officer Leading Chief Petty Officer.  Upon retiring after 25 years, she joined TeleCommunication Systems as the Executive Assistant at the Joint Cyber Analysis Course onboard Corry Station for 6 years before joining the government civil service. Ms. Hanlon is currently the Fleet Cyber Command/Command 10th Fleet Chief, FCC Interview Program (Conversions)/Regional Security Representative SOUTHEAST onboard Corry Station. Chief Hanlon’s personal awards include the following: Defense Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (five awards), Good Conduct Medal (seven awards), National Defense Medal (two awards), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Expert Pistol Shot Medal and various unit awards.