Cyber Command intel chief named National Maritime Intelligence Center director

The top intelligence officer in the Pentagon’s cyber warfare unit has been named director of the National Maritime Intelligence Center and commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence.

The Navy announced Nov. 15 the new assignment of U.S. Cyber Command director of intelligence Rear Adm. Samuel J. Cox. He previously directed the maritime intelligence center from 2010 to 2011, according to his official biography. Capt. Robert V. Hoppa, who currently holds the position, will be promoted to rear admiral (lower half) and assigned as deputy director of operations, J3, at U.S. Cyber Command. 

The flag officer moves come as the command, which is subordinate to U.S. Strategic Command, inches towards becoming a unified combatant command, according to some reports. Senior officials believe the boost would give the command more clout, allowing the Pentagon to address cyber-threats more flexibly and boldly.

Rear Adm. Sean Filipowski steps into the position of intel chief at CYBERCOM, the Navy said Oct. 22.