It’s hard to believe 2025 is coming to an end. This year has shown us that change is inevitable and adapting to changes and challenges is what keeps us moving forward.
New leadership:
Yuma Proving Ground Command welcomes Sgt. Maj. Joshua Holthus
On July 11, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) held a change of responsibility ceremony and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Holthus as he assumed the position from outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Millare.
Military Free Fall School’s Bravo Company welcomes Sgt. Maj. Zachary Achziger
On Sept. 11, the Military Free Fall School’s Bravo Company held a Sergeant Major Change of Responsibility ceremony to welcome Zachary Achziger who assumed responsibility from outgoing Sgt. Maj. Matthew Krueger.
Honoring the past and building for the future:
YPG renames building in honor of its late technical director
YPG renamed its Range Operations Center (ROC) to the Bracamonte Range Operations Center (BROC) after late Technical Director Larry Bracamonte in a ceremony on March 24. A building sign and plaque at the entrance of the BROC were unveiled as widow Matilda Lugo and multiple other family members joined well over 100 members of the workforce, local dignitaries, and former commanders.
Groundbreaking ceremony for freefall school Ready Building at YPG
On March 26, crews broke ground for the construction of a Ready Building for Military Freefall School students. The new building will house student team rooms, a multi-purpose room, latrines, locker rooms and showers, and is expected to enhance the nation’s Special Forces capabilities.
Iconic ‘Big Guns’ temporarily moved for road expansion
In a move that shocked passersby, the iconic ‘Big Guns’ were moved from their prominent location on the corners of Highway 95 and Laguna Dam Road. April 7, crews moved of the ‘Big Guns’ to the Wahner Brooks Historical Exhibit, which is accessible to the public outside of YPG’s Visitor Control Center. The following week crews moved the second M1 240mm howitzer inside the gates of the Walker Cantonment. The reason for the move is to prepare the roadway for widening in 2026.
VIP visitors and events:
Secretary of the Army visits YPG’s Arctic Test Center
Arctic Regions Test Center in Alaska welcomed the Secretary of the Army, Honorable Daniel Driscoll on April 24. During his visit, Driscoll experienced -57 °F weather and saw the effects cold has on various essential war fighting materials.
YPG hosts Bring Your Child to Work Day
On April 23, YPG hosted its first Bring Your Child to Work Day in almost a decade. Parents and grandparents showed the children around their work areas. The Metrology and Simulation Division hosted a tour of several of its shops and had fun activities for families. All the families gathered on Cox Field for some food and fun.
Yuma and YPG celebrate Army’s 250th Birthday with free public event
On June 14, Yuma’s Colorado River State Historic Park, which was an Army Quartermaster Depot from 1869 to 1884, hosted a free public event for the Army’s 250th birthday, and YPG was there providing static displays and presentations. Key moments of the morning included YPG Commander Col. John Nelson and Sgt. Briana Corona cutting the birthday cake and Nelson swearing in Army recruits.
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