CAPT Matt B. Cox

Deputy Commodore, Destroyer Squadron SEVEN (CDS 7)

20 August 2025 Captain Matthew B. Cox is a native of Wilson, North Carolina, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina in 2001. 

At sea, he served as Main Propulsion Division Officer, Damage Control Assistant, and Navigator aboard USS O’KANE (DDG 77), as Chief Engineer aboard USS RAMAGE (DDG 61) and USS PORT ROYAL (CG 73), and as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of USS MITSCHER (DDG 57).

His staff assignments include serving as 28th Company Officer, U.S. Naval Academy; Navy Air and Missile Defense Command’s (NAMDC) current operations and C5F/NAVCENT fleet support representative; Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center’s (SMWDC) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) program manager; and as Washington, D.C. Placement Branch Head, Navy Personnel Command. He most recently served as Executive Officer to the Deputy Commander, United States Central Command. Captain Cox assumed his role as Deputy Commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 in August of 2025. 

Captain Cox received a Master of Science in Leadership Education and Human Resources Development from the Naval Postgraduate School. He has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), and various joint and service awards.