LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airmen from the 47th Contracting Squadron gathered to witness a transition of leadership as Lt. Col. Matthew Thorne relinquished command to Maj. Vanessa Valente during a change of command ceremony May 27, 2026.
Col. Peter Joo, 47th Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony and commended Thorne for his service and contributions to the mission.
“Matthew, truly, the Dragons are better following your tenure. You led with conviction, compassion and purpose and it’s all I could ask from you as your group commander.”
During his command, Thorne led the 47th CONS in supporting 2,700 base personnel and 28 units. He commanded 41 military and civilian professionals, aligned acquisition capabilities to support next-generation aircraft integration, navigated executive order purchase suspensions by directing on-site contingency support and pioneered the installation’s first small business industry day.
“I was here to be the instrument to bring development, and while that may be partly true, the bigger truth is that the role of being the Dragons’ commander has been the instrument to developing myself,” said Thorne.
Valente now assumes command of providing contracting support to Air Education and Training Command’s largest pilot production wing. Prior to assuming command, Valente served as the Policy and Clearance Division deputy chief at Barksdale Air Force Base.
“We will be a squadron known for its integrity, positive attitude and the ability to get the job done no matter the challenge,” said Valente. “We’ll take immense pride with the patch on our sleeve, and we’ll celebrate our wins, both big and small.”
The 47th CONS is responsible for the purchase of supplies, services and construction from contractors, and develops, negotiates and administers contracts awarded with appropriated funds. The business leaders and acquisition professionals of the 47th CONS negotiate and award over $44 million in new and recurring contract requirements annually, as well as manage a contract portfolio of over $230 million in base services, construction, and supplies.
“Thank you for being the best squadron I could have asked to command,” said Thorne. “Thank you for being the instrument that has made me a better leader, husband, father and Airman than I was when I started.”