LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Team XL welcomed a new leader to the 47th Comptroller Squadron (CPTS) during a change of command ceremony held June 17.
Maj. James Brock, outgoing commander of the 47th CPTS, relinquished command of the 47th CPTS and administrative oversight of the 47th Wing Staff Agencies (WSA) to Maj. Thomas Tarantella, incoming commander of the 47th CPTS. In this role, Tarantella is responsible for leading the squadron and ensuring the delivery of professional, accurate and timely financial services in support of Laughlin’s mission to train the next generation of combat-ready Airmen, leaders and pilots.
Col. Tyler Ellison, 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) commander, presided over the ceremony and commended both leaders for their service and contributions to the mission.
“Thomas, the Squadron that you are assuming command of is in a great place and ready for you to continue growing and advancing it to meet the evolving mission of the 47 FTW,” said Ellison. “Your background and experience will bring fresh new perspectives, and we are excited to see how far the Comptroller Squadron, WSA and Laughlin can go under your leadership. Welcome to Team XL.”
Tarantella brings extensive experience in financial management and instruction. Previously, he taught at the Acquisition Instructor Course at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and has held various financial roles at base and command levels. He enlisted in 2009, commissioned through ROTC, and most recently served as Executive Officer to the Director of Financial Management at Air Force Materiel Command.
“Maj. Brock, thank you for passing me the flag you have so proudly carried over the past two years,” said Tarantella. “You've established a standard of excellence which I pledge to maintain.”
Following his remarks to Brock, Tarantella turned his attention to the squadron and supporting agencies he now leads.
“To the members of the 47th Comptroller Squadron and Wing Staff Agencies, I look forward to serving alongside you in support of Team XL, as your work plays a vital role in advancing our Wing's mission to Develop Mission-Ready, Resilient Airmen, Leaders and Families,” said Tarantella. “Together we will build upon our shared pride as we continue to prioritize our people, strengthen readiness, foster innovation, enhance decision support and deliver exceptional service.”
“James, under your leadership, the 47th CPTS has thrived and taken the 47th Flying Training Wing to new heights,” said Ellison. “You have been innovative, diligent and dedicated to both the Comptroller Squadron and the Wing. Laughlin is in a better position now than when you first took command two years ago. You led with integrity, demonstrated personal accountability while upholding the standards, and fostered a culture of winning within the CPTS and WSA.”
Although the 47th CPTS often operates behind the scenes, its impact on Laughlin’s mission is undeniable. Under the leadership of Brock, the squadron played a critical role in enabling over 1 million flight hours and the successful graduation of more than 700 pilots. Throughout his tenure, Brock managed nearly $200 million across 1,000 budget lines and oversaw $171 million in pay programs, supporting Laughlin’s 2,800 Total Force Airmen.
“To WSA, thank you for continuing to progress the wing mission,“ said Brock. “WSA is interesting as it's comprised of multiple agencies, and they touch each and every piece of the mission. They're consistently adapting to changing environments, mission needs and they're always striving to provide the best product; and that's exactly what they do. Thank you for continuing in the pursuit of excellence to make that happen. Never stop driving.”
The 47th FTW’s finance office plays a critical support role in building combat-ready pilots by ensuring funding is in place for flying hours, maintenance, personnel, and operations across the Wing’s five training squadrons and support units.
“To my mighty, mighty serpents, the comptroller Squadron, I'm proud of how far we've come,” said Brock. “I couldn't go far without my financial management flight, budget flight, commander’s support staff, quality assurance and my leadership triad; the mission that we do each and every day is of the high stakes as it directly impacts budget execution and paid entitlements for the entire base. I, first and foremost, appreciate your attitude, every day that we have a difficult challenge the response is critical thinking and problem solving. I've watched you embody the process, develop the people and produce the gold standing that this wing deserves for both CPTs and WSA, I'm proud to have been your commander.”