Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona made a historic visit to the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) today, becoming the first sitting governor to do so in over twenty years. The visit was significant, as it highlights the importance of the YPG as a critical testing and evaluation site for the U.S. Army. It also demonstrates the governor’s commitment to supporting the military and the state’s defense industry. The YPG is a vital asset to the U.S. Army and provides critical support for military operations around the world.
During the visit, Hobbs was accompanied by YPG Commander Col. John Nelson and Yuma Test Center Commander Lt. Col. Kevin Hicks. They took Hobbs on an overflight of the post’s ranges and also gave him a tour of a vehicle test and the Military Freefall School’s (MFFS) wind tunnel.
Nelson expressed his excitement about the chance to showcase the work being done at YPG for Army modernization, joint service modernization, and international partners who conduct testing there. Additionally, he saw the visit as an opportunity to highlight areas of cooperation and collaboration with local, state, and federal officials that make their mission possible. “It’s a great chance to demonstrate what we do here and to identify the ways we work together to achieve our goals,” said Nelson.
Hobbs was given a thorough briefing by Nelson at the start of the visit, which was attended by senior leaders of YPG and Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls.
According to Nicholls, YPG is a true gem of Yuma that has a significant impact at both the local and national levels. He believes that one can only truly grasp the extent of YPG’s impact by visiting it. Nicholls expressed his delight at Governor Hobbs’ visit, stating that it provided her with an opportunity to witness firsthand the exceptional work and remarkable impact of YPG.
Hobbs expressed that the mayor’s appearance earlier today emphasized the significance not only to Yuma but also the entire state. She highlighted her focus on job creation, particularly in the aerospace and defense sectors, and noted that this is where the tangible implementation of these jobs is taking place.
Following the briefing, the governor proceeded to one of YPG’s extensive vehicle testing courses, spanning over 200 miles, to observe the testing of a M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. Later, she took an aerial tour of a section of the post’s vast range, which covers nearly 1,200 square miles. The tour concluded with a visit to the MFFS vertical wind tunnel, where she received briefings from MFFS Commander Maj. Matthew Morneault and Sgt. Maj. Matthew Krueger.
As governor, Hobbs recognizes the significance of military installations to the economy of their state. She emphasizes the importance of being a good partner to these installations and acknowledges the crucial role Arizona plays in national defense and security. Hobbs’ visits to military installations further reinforce this understanding.
