Cox in line to be next personnel chief

Maj. Gen. Samuel Cox has been nominated to get his third star and become the Air Force’s next personnel chief, the Defense Department announced Monday.

If confirmed, Cox would replace Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones, who has served as deputy chief of staff, manpower and services since December 2010.

Jones is expected to retire Feb. 1, said Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Timothy Heritage.

Cox is currently director of operations and plans for U.S. Transportation Command. A 1984 Air Force Academy graduate, he is a command pilot with more than 4,600 flight hours in the T-37, T-38, C-141, C-17 and C-5, according to his Air Force biography.

In one of his previous assignments, Cox served as the commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy from October 2008 until July 2010. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal.