Yuma Proving Ground looks back at 2023

Photo By Mark Schauer | New U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) Commander Col. John Nelson (left foreground) accepts the command guidon from Army Test and Evaluation Command Commanding General Maj. Gen. James J. Gallivan (right foreground) in a ceremony at YPG's Cox Field on June 29, 2023 as YPG Command Sgt. Maj. Herbert Gill and outgoing commander Col. Patrick McFall look on. "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 in remarks at the ceremony. "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."  

YUMA PROVING GROUND, ARIZONA, UNITED STATES

12.27.2023

Story by Ana Henderson 

U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground

New leaderships:

Yuma Proving Ground welcomed new Commander

Col. John Nelson took command of U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) from Col. Patrick McFall on June 29. During his remarks Nelson said he 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.

Yuma Proving Ground welcomed new Command Sergeant Major

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Millare assumed the highest enlisted leadership position at YPG on July 13 in a change of responsibility ceremony presided over by YPG Commander Col. John Nelson. Millare pledged to foster the same camaraderie between the military and civilian workforce that outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Herbert Gill was widely praised for.

Celebrating 80 years of testing

Members of the YPG and Yuma community joined the test center on May 3 to celebrate its 80th anniversary. During the small ceremony members of the Airborne Test Force started off the event by jumping into Cox Field, YPG leaders gathered to cut a celebratory cake and then took a group photo.

Upgrading the installation:

Laguna Airfield upgrades

Laguna Airfield underwent improvements early this year. Crews resurfaced the pavement, filled asphalt cracks and fog sealed the runways, taxiways, and aprons. A portion of a taxiway was milled, and three inches of asphalt was applied along with new markings. In early February an additional runway, was put back in service with the installation of flashing lights to warn vehicle traffic of an approaching aircraft.

Child Development Center preschool classroom renovated

The YPG Child Development Center hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the preschool room on Nov. 6 to unveil a months-long renovation. Renovations included new flooring, a structure in the middle of the room was tore down and the bathrooms and storage closets were relocated.

Chapel upgrades and repairs

A project to repair damage to the foundation of the YPG Chapel is nearing completion. Work to shore up the foundations of both chapel buildings began in June. Interior work included tile laid throughout the hallway and bathrooms and new carpeting in the offices and nursery. Exterior work included the removal of an underground tank and the installation of a new side parking lot.

Walker Gate gets new guard shacks

In early September, construction started at the Walker Access Control Point to install two new guard shacks pictured on the left and center. The previous structures were originally built in 2011 and did not have running water or toilets.

• Date Taken: 12.27.2023
• Date Posted: 12.27.2023 13:31
• Story ID: 460309
• Location: YUMA PROVING GROUND, ARIZONA, US