18th CPTS pays to keep mission running

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chris Marasky
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  When the money stops, so does the mission.

That's what makes the 18th Comptroller Squadron so vital to the wing.

"Our financial management flight manages and controls the budget for the wing and our financial services flight ensures our Airmen are paid correctly and on time," said Lt. Col. Stephen Kennedy, 18th CPTS commander. "We handle the largest installation budget in Pacific Air Forces -- about $450 million -- and we see roughly 2,300 customers monthly in the finance customer service lobby."

The 18th CPTS also manages the budget for the tenant units on base, bringing the total budget they monitor close to $600 million.

Everything with a dollar or a yen attached to it comes through the 18th CPTS, said Colonel Kennedy.

"We like to say without the dough, you can't go," said Colonel Kennedy. "And it's definitely true, without funding, the wing wouldn't be able to accomplish its mission."

In addition to executing the wing's budget and processing all the military pay and travel entitlements for those stationed here, the 18th CPTS also maintains the largest installation telephone billing operation in the Air Force and one of the few remaining in the Department of Defense.

At most installations, telephones are handled by a private company, but the 18th Communications Squadron provides them here with the 18th CPTS handling the billing services.

"It's one of the most unique operations in the Air Force," said Colonel Kennedy.

Despite the heavy load placed on it, the squadron meets and excels in every measurable category, according to Colonel Kennedy.

The unit had the best performance metrics in the command for both financial services and financial analysis. The unit ranked number one of nine comptroller squadrons in the Pacific.

"It's testimony that the men and women of the 18th CPTS are doing a tremendous job of supporting the 18th Wing and all the tenant units," said Colonel Kennedy.

That sentiment is shared by many within the squadron, including Capt. Heidi Gregory, 18th Comptroller wing budget officer.

Despite the large cuts in both manning and funding, members of the 18th CPTS continue to show their dedication and professionalism she said.

"This is a very challenging assignment ... the operations tempo is very high and it doesn't stop," she said. "With all that, we are very successful, everyone has a great attitude and is very professional."

Teamwork and innovative processes for working through problems are the keys to the squadron's success according to Captain Gregory.

"There's no attitude other than positive," she said. "They work together as a great team. I've been very lucky."