President Barack Obama nominated Lt. Gen. Samuel Cox for assignment as commander of 18th Air Force at Scott AFB, Ill. Cox has served as deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services since December 2013. Obama also nominated Maj. Gen. Gina Grosso, who currently serves as director of the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, for a third star. If confirmed, she would replace Cox at the Pentagon.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

