The Senate confirmed the nomination of Maj. Gen. Samuel Cox for promotion to the rank of lieutenant general for his next assignment as deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services. He will replace Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones, who has held this position on the Air Staff since December 2010. The Senate action came on Nov. 5, according to the legislative chamber’s list of non-civilian confirmations. President Obama nominated Cox for the third star in September. He has been serving as US Transportation Command’s director of operations and plans since June 2012. Jones is retiring from the Air Force, effective Feb. 1, 2014, after 34 years in uniform.
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.