Spotlight!
Misawa AB’s 35th Comptroller Squadron ensure success as the fiscal year ends
By
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs October 6, 2023
Senior Airman William Rodriguez
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs October 6, 2023
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kayla Ludwigsen, 35th Comptroller Squadron financial analysis supervisor, is coined by Col. Michael Richard, 35th Fighter Wing commander, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 30, 2023. The 35th Comptroller Squadron oversees the finances of Misawa Air Base personnel and equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell) ()
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- As the fiscal year 2023 came to an end, Airmen at the 35th Comptroller Squadron (CPTS) continuously worked to ensure the units at Misawa Air Base had everything they needed financially to continue the mission.
The 35th CPTS is responsible for managing the allocation and administration of base funding. This fiscal year, they have successfully allocated $204.8 million to various units at Misawa Air Base. This marks a 25.8% increase compared to the previous year.
Every year, Airmen at the 35th CPTS stay until 11:59 p.m. on September 30 to close out the current fiscal year.
“The funding must be executed prior to October 1 each year before the new fiscal year begins which is why we have to stay till midnight,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jackie Summers, 35th CPTS senior enlisted leader. “Even if we spent 100% of our money, Pacific Air Forces or Air Force Installation and Mission Center could send us more money at 11:59 p.m. to execute.”
Failure to spend allocated funds before the end of the fiscal year could result in the loss of ability to use those funds to support crucial missions. This is why it is imperative to have a successful fiscal year closeout.
“Throughout the year, units will generate what are called unfunded requirements (UFRs) and wing leadership will approve the priority of the requirements,” said Summers. “For the month of September, we secured an additional $12 million with $3.4 million received in the last six days, funding 21 wing UFRs.”
These funds allocated by the 35th CPTS have led to various upgrades across the base’s units. These improvements include the provision of 170 radios to the 35th Maintenance Group, 35th Operations Group, and 35th Mission Support Group; security cameras and a dispatch console upgrade for the 35th Security Forces Squadron; multiple technology refresh projects for a variety of units; an upgrade to the dining facility equipment; four Starshield terminals; and pavement repairs at the Air Mobility Command terminal.
Thanks to the efforts of the 35th CPTS, Misawa Air Base stands well-equipped and financially prepared for the challenges and mission of the upcoming year.