In 2024, the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) team lost its beloved technical director Larry Bracamonte. Yet the year proved to bring many positive moments which reminded the team that with life comes change, so special moments and people should be celebrated —and that they did.

New leaderships

Chief of Staff retires, new chief named

YPG’s Chief of Staff Minerva Peters retired in March after 24 years. Peters held several positions at YPG prior to assuming her final post in 2015. In April, San Luis, Ariz. native Omar Silva was named to the position.

Arctic Regions Test Centers welcomes commander and unveils new name

Arctic Regions Test Center (ARTC) welcomed Commander Lt. Col. Brian Karhoff on May 16. Karhoff assumed command from then Lt. Col. (promotable) Jonathan Brown. ARTC also unveiled its new crest and name to celebrate the 75th anniversary.

Military Free Fall School welcomes commander

Military Free Fall School welcomes commander: The Military Freefall School (MFFS) located at Yuma Proving Ground, welcomed a new commander on the morning of July 11, 2024. Outgoing Commander Maj. Nicholas Garver who held the position for the last three years relinquished command to Maj. Matthew Morneault. (Left to right) Lt. Col. Nicholas Manghelli Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Special Warfare Training Group, Maj. Matthew Morneault, Maj. Nicholas Garver (back turned) and MFFS Company Sergent Major, Sgt. Maj. Matthew Krueger.

The Military Freefall School (MFFS) welcomed Commander Maj. Matthew Morneault on July 11. Morneault assumed command from Maj. Nicholas Garver. The MFFS is part of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Liberty, NC and runs out of YPG.

Yuma Test Center welcomes commander

Yuma Test Center welcomes commander: Yuma Test Center welcomed Commander Lt. Col. Kevin Hicks on July 18. Hicks assumed command from Lt. Col. Shane Dering during a change of command ceremony at YPG.

Yuma Test Center welcomed Commander Lt. Col. Kevin Hicks on July 18. Hicks assumed command from Lt. Col. Shane Dering during a change of command ceremony at YPG.

Technical director passes away after long career at YPG

Technical director passes away after long career at YPG: YPG’s beloved Technical Director Larry Bracamonte (center) passed away on Aug. 17, after a battle with cancer. Bracamonte served as YPG’s highest ranking civilian since 2018 and started his career here in 1987. In early November, Yuma native Ross Gwynn was named to the position.

YPG’s beloved Technical Director Larry Bracamonte passed away on Aug. 17, after a battle with cancer. Bracamonte served as YPG’s highest ranking civilian since 2018 and started his career here in 1987. In early November, Yuma native Ross Gwynn was named to the position.

Building for the future

YTC assembles Ballistic Simulator Bunker

It took thousands of pounds of steel and more than a dozen welders and machinist to assemble the Ballistic Simulator Bunker, a first at YTC. The steel bunker contains the aftermath of firing a propelling charge.

Special Operations hangar complete

Special Operations hangar complete: On April 9, a ribbon cutting took place for a two-bay hangar for the Special Operations Aviation Command flight detachment. The structure included the construction of access aprons and improved taxiways.

On April 9, a ribbon cutting took place for a two-bay hangar for the Special Operations Aviation Command flight detachment. The structure included the construction of access aprons and improved taxiways.

Coffee shack opens at Coyote Lanes

Coffee shack opens at Coyote Lanes: Coyote Lanes opened the Java Café which serves Starbucks drinks and breakfast on April 13. Patrons can order at the patio window making it easier to place and pickup orders

Coyote Lanes opened the Java Café which serves Starbucks drinks and breakfast on April 13. Patrons can order at the patio window making it easier to place and pickup orders.

Halo Chapel gets a playground

On Oct. 17, The Halo Chapel held a ribbon cutting for its playground. The structure suits both younger and older kids and is covered by a shade.

Standing out!

Arizona governor visits YPG

Arizona governor visits YPG: Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs paid a visit YPG on July 25, the first sitting governor to visit the post in two decades.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs paid a visit YPG on July 25, the first sitting governor to visit the post in two decades.

YTC employee inducted into U.S. Army Rigger Hall of Fame

YTC employee inducted into U.S. Army Rigger Hall of Fame: YTC test officer/jumper, Thomas Hall, was inducted into the U.S. Army Rigger Hall of Fame.

Hall served 25 years in the Army as a parachute rigger then started a career at YTC. On Feb. 26, Hall traveled to Fort Gregg-Adams, Va. for the ceremony. (Photo courtesy of the Rigger Hall of Fame)

YTC test officer/jumper, Thomas Hall, was inducted into the U.S. Army Rigger Hall of Fame. Hall served 25 years in the Army as a parachute rigger then started a career at YTC. On Feb. 26, Hall traveled to Fort Gregg-Adams, Va. for the ceremony.

Honorable Order of St. Michael recipient surprised with ceremony

Honorable Order of St. Michael recipient surprised with ceremony: On Nov. 7, Tab Wilcox became YPG’s 13th inductee of the Honorable Order of St. Michael. Wilcox was presented with a certificate, medallion, and lapel pin in a surprise ceremony.

On Nov. 7, Tab Wilcox became YPG’s 13th inductee of the Honorable Order of St. Michael. Wilcox was presented with a certificate, medallion, and lapel pin in a surprise ceremony.

Price Elementary School earns an A rating

The Arizona State Board of Education gave James D. Price Elementary School an A rating for the 2023-2024 school year. Price is the only District One school to earn an A.