97th Comptroller Squadron

The 97th Comptroller Squadron first activated on July 12, 1948, as the 97th Finance Disbursing Unit assigned to the 97th Bombardment Wing, Medium at Biggs Air Force Base, Texas. Through the years it has been designated a squadron and re-designated as a flight numerous times, always remaining an important element of the wing staff. The unit was reconstituted as a squadron January 1987 through April 1995. During this time, the squadron earned an Outstanding Unit award and on October 1, 1992, the wing moved from Eaker Air Force Base, Ark, to Altus Air Force Base, Okla. The 97th Comptroller Squadron was again designated a squadron on June 21, 2004, with responsibility to support the 97th Air Mobility Wing's mission of providing formal training to strategic airlift and aerial refueling active duty, Guard and Reserve aircrews, while maintaining world-wide capability to augment Global Reach contingency support missions and personnel.

The squadron is comprised of 30 military and civilians, providing world-class decision support to wing leaders and financial services to individuals. To perform these missions, the squadron is comprised of two flights, Financial Analysis and Financial Services.

The Financial Analysis Flight is responsible for all facets of managing budgetary and accounting resources in support of the wing's mission. The flight assists leaders with timely and relevant financial advice for estimating program requirements and translating those requirements into budget execution plans and operating budgets. The flight also provides cost validation of proposed ideas and alternatives to meet mission objectives. Finally, the flight uses traditional and innovative resourcing to support wing priorities while ensuring internal controls are in place to conform to federal laws for expenditure of funds. In addition to its budgetary function, the flight is the interface between local customers, both individuals and businesses, and the Defense Accounting and Finance Service. They certify funding is available before contracts are awarded and ensure payments are documented and processed appropriately.

The Financial Services Flight handles military and civilian pay issues, retirement and savings programs, debt collections, travel entitlements and other individual financial calculations for all Department of Defense personnel assigned to units on Altus Air Force Base, as well as military retirees in the area.

Finally, the squadron leadership staff oversees internal processes. The Quality Assurance Monitor tracks performance of other sections within the squadron in order to evaluate the quality of support provided to customers. The Non-Appropriated Funds Analyst functions much like a financial consultant and accountant for the base activities which must be self supporting, such as the bowling center. All function together to provide world-class support.