This article was contributed by Mark Schauer of Yuma Proving Ground.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs today visited the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), becoming the first sitting governor to visit the post in more than 20 years.

YPG Commander Col. John Nelson and Yuma Test Center Commander Lt. Col. Kevin Hicks escorted Mr. Hobbs on a flight over the base range and a visit to vehicle testing and the Military Freefall School (MFFS) wind tunnel.

“For us, what we are doing here at YPG to modernize the Army, modernize the joint force, and for our international partners who are testing here, what we are doing for the governors. I think it’s a great opportunity to showcase that,” Nelson said. “This is also an opportunity to identify and demonstrate some of the areas of collaboration and collaboration with local, state and federal authorities to realize our mission.”

Mr. Nelson began his visit with a comprehensive briefing for Mr. Hobbs, which was attended by YPG leaders and Yuma Mayor Douglas Nichols.

“The YPG is a jewel in Yuma and has a huge impact on the region and the nation, and that can only begin to be understood by visiting,” Nichols said. “It was great to have Governor Hobbs here to see all of the great work and dramatic impact of the YPG.”

“The mayor’s presence this morning underscores the importance not only to Yuma, but to the entire state,” Hobbs said. “I’m very focused on job creation, and a lot of those jobs are in defense, aerospace, and right here we’re seeing those jobs in action.”

After the meeting, the governor visited one of YPG’s more than 320 miles of vehicle test tracks, witnessed a test of the M1 Abrams main battle tank, and overflighted part of the garrison’s approximately 1,200 square mile area. . She finished her tour with a visit to the MFFS Vertical Wind Tunnel and a briefing from MFFS Commander Maj. Matthew Morneau and Sgt. Major Matthew Krueger.

“All of the military facilities that we have in our state are very important to our economy, and as governor, I want to make sure that the state is a good partner,” Hobbs said. “Every time I visit a military installation, I am reminded of how important Arizona is to our national defense and security.”