Luke welcomed new CPTS, SVS commander Published July 27, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Phillip Butterfield %^th Fight Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Sounds of hail and farewell were heard at Luke July 16 through the 20 for two squadron commanders joining team Luke and two squadron commanders leaving the Thunderbolt family. The 56th Comptroller Squadron and 56th Services Squadron welcomed new commanders. Lt. Col. Vernett Smith, chief of budget, United States Air Forces in Europe, took command of the 56th CPTS July 20 from Lt. Col. Kent Meredith. "I'm excited!" said Colonel Smith. "Command is a great opportunity and I have the fortune of being handed the reigns of a top squadron and to be part of the 56th Fighter Wing. This squadron has racked up a list of accomplishments and these winning ways will continue as we provide outstanding support to the wing and work through future fiscal challenges." Colonel Meredith, the outgoing CPTS commander, retired from the Air Force. Maj. William Manley, former staff officer on the Joint Public Affairs Support Element, USJFCOM, Suffolk, Va. took command of the 56th SVS from Lt. Col. Dane Matthew July 16. "It's exciting to have the opportunity to work with and lead the world's best services squadron in the Air Force," said Major Manley. Colonel Matthew, the outgoing 56th SVS commander, will become the 61st Mission Support Group deputy commander at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.