Golden Knights return to Yuma skies

The sky over the Yuma Proving Ground will be filled with black and gold later this month when the U.S. Army's precision parachute team returns to Yuma.

The Golden Knights, which started in 1961, will begin their 35th year of winter training Jan. 20 at YPG's Cox Field. The public is invited to watch the team's daily jumps through March 7.

Yolie Canales, acting public affair officer with YPG, said it's Yuma's clear skies and nice weather that bring the team back year after year.

At Fort Bragg Army Base in North Carolina, the conditions are nothing like here, Canales said.

"It's too cold, too windy, too wet, too snowy," Canales said. "The weather conditions are much better here in Yuma."

After the Knights are done training in March, the team will be busy on a world tour that includes stops in all 50 states and 47 countries over the next year, Canales said.

According to the team's Web site, the Knights link up to form intricate moves, creating various shapes and using colored smoke to awe crowds - all while barreling toward the ground at 120 mph.

She said last year more than 5,000 viewers came out to YPG. This year she encourages the public, including schools, to come and watch.

The team jumps Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, and it's free to the public, Canales said. Visitors can watch from bleachers located at Cox Field or can bring their own chair or blanket, she said.

Visitors should bring a driver's license, valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance to the YPG main gate on Imperial Dam Road. More than one passenger is allowed per vehicle, but everyone needs proof of identification, Canales said.

No recreational vehicles or weapons are permitted at the event.

---

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.

IF YOU GO

For information about upcoming jumps by the Golden Knights, call the team's information hot line at 928-328-3782.