Golden Knights here two days only

If you happen to be one of the many members of the public who go to Yuma Proving Ground each year to watch the U.S. Army's Golden Knight parachute demonstration team , plan on doing so next week because you probably won't get another chance this year.

According to YPG spokesman Chuck Wullenjohn, for the first time since 1962, the Golden Knights will not be coming to the proving ground to conduct their winter training.

Wullenjohn said instead, due to budget concerns, the Golden Knights have decided to train at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, which is significantly closer to the team's headquarters at Fort Bragg, N.C.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of disappointed people," Wullenjohn said. "This is only a one-year decision. It is not a forever commitment to Homestead. They may decide to come back to Yuma."

After this winter's training has concluded, Wullenjohn said, a decision will be made on whether the team will return to Yuma next year.

He added the decision does not affect the Military Freefall School that conducts its training at YPG because it operates under a different command than the Golden Knights.

The Golden Knights, however, will still be at YPG for two days of demonstration jumps next week, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"A portion of the team is scheduled to fly in on Monday," Wullenjohn said. "It is not the entire team."

Parachute jumps will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Cox Field, which is located on the proving ground's main administrative area. Jumps will take place about every 30 minutes.

As always, Wullenjohn said, the public is invited to watch the Golden Knights, free of charge. No seating is available, so bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Motorists are reminded that three official documents are necessary to enter the proving ground: driver's license, vehicle registration
and proof of insurance.

Wullenjohn also said the Golden Knights could return to the proving ground later this year for another demonstration, but there are currently no plans to do so.