Photo By Mark Schauer | New U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) Commander Col. John Nelson (left foreground)...... read more read more
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Col. Johnathon Nelson took command of U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) from Col. Ben "Patrick" McFall III on June 29, accepting the guidon from Army Test and Evaluation Command Commander Maj. Gen. James J. Gallivan.
The son of a career Soldier, Nelson pledged to continue YPG’s reputation for excellence at the forefront of Army transformation efforts.
“Yuma Proving Ground has a really good reputation,” he said. “Every project manager I have ever spoken with told me that Yuma was the place of choice.”
Prior to his recent stint at the Army War College, Nelson served as Product Manager for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Systems Integration, and at the Army Evaluation Center (AEC) prior to that. YPG was his top choice for command prior to being selected.
“I chose Yuma Proving Ground primarily because I wanted to be around people in the test community that I was so impressed with before,” he said. “They are really professional people who are experts in their field, and I wanted the opportunity to work with them again.”
During his command, Nelson wants to ensure that YPG’s culture for safety and excellence is sustained. He also stressed he wants the installation to continue its 80 years of outstanding rapport with the local Yuma community.
“I believe in a sense of community. If it is already there, let’s enhance it. You can take care of people and accomplish the mission: you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.”
Nelson is also eager to show the YPG workforce the impact the developmental testing they do has on Soldiers in the field.
“I know I’m going to be so humble every day being around people that have those skillsets that are so selfless at the same time,” he said. “It is very rewarding to be around people like that.”
In recent years, YPG has achieved an unprecedented prominence within the Department of Defense. The proving ground hosted Project Convergence 2020 and 2021, the latter being the largest capabilities demonstration in the Army in the preceding 15 years, as well as Project Convergence 2022 Technology Gateway and the 2023 iteration of the Experimental Demonstration Gateway Event (EDGE) in April and May. The last three Secretaries of the Army have visited the test ranges, and ambitious Army transformation efforts will continue apace for the foreseeable future.
Having steered a course through the peak of the COVID crisis while maintaining YPG’s position at the forefront of Army modernization efforts, outgoing commander McFall was also noted for the creation of the Employee Modernization Effort for Relevant Growth and Enrichment (EMERGE) program, which is preparing the workforce for the future test mission. The wide-ranging and comprehensive program covers everything from developing new test methodologies for advanced technologies to leadership strategies and critical thinking.
"Yuma Proving Ground thrived under Col. McFall's leadership," said Gallivan. "He made significant, lasting contributions to the development, training, and leadership of our Army's greatest asset: our people."
Gallivan praised Nelson's performance in multiple past assignments in the test and evaluation realm, and his experience as a tank company commander in multiple tours of Iraq.
"I appreciate the gravity of the responsibility I have to our amazing service men and women and the impressive workforce across YPG and its garrison," said Nelson. "I'm honored to serve this team and look forward to partnering with the Yuma community that has been so supportive of YPG over the years."
| Date Taken: | 06.29.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.29.2023 16:53 |
| Story ID: | 448115 |
| Location: | YUMA PROVING GROUND, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 423 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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