President Obama nominated Maj. Gen. Samuel Cox for promotion to the rank of lieutenant general to join the Air Staff as deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services, announced the Pentagon on Monday. Cox, who has been US Transportation Command’s director of operations and plans since June 2012, would replace Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones, who has held the position since December 2010. The nomination requires the Senate’s confirmation.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.