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Golden Knights train at Homestead

  • Published
  • By Tim Norton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  The U.S. Army's world-famous parachute team, the Golden Knights, will train here from Jan. 25 to March 5.

The team usually goes to Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz., for winter training. This is the first time in more than 40 years that the team is going to the Sunshine State for winter training.

The closer locality and warmer climates offer better weather conditions for perfecting various show maneuvers, accuracy landings and demonstrations in preparation for the upcoming show season. Homestead ARB offers runway and airspace needed for the Knights' training.

"It's a great honor to bring the Army parachute team to South Florida this year," said Lt. Col. Tony Dill, Golden Knights commander. "Our goal is to help Army recruiting and awareness in the Miami area, share freefall training with Special Operations Command South personnel and work with the local community and leaders to demonstrate Army teamwork and capability."

Brig. Gen. William B. Binger, 482nd Fighter Wing commander, said he and his people "are excited to host the Golden Knights" for their winter training.

"Our exceptional weather, great community hospitality and outstanding base support make for a win-win situation," he said. "It's a great opportunity to show off our dedicated Citizen Airmen to the Army team and showcase the wonderful capabilities the base has to offer."

As the "Official Ambassadors of the Army," the Golden Knights have performed more than 15,000 shows in all 50 states and 48 countries. An average 20,000 people watch a show.

The team's mission is to conduct parachute demonstrations and tandem jumps, and to compete in national and international competitions in support of the United States Army Accessions Command's tactical, operational and strategic missions, creating a greater propensity to serve in the U.S. Army, while connecting America with America's Army.

In June, the Knights helped President George H. W. Bush celebrate his 85th birthday with a tandem jump at Kennebunkport, Maine.

Fort Bragg, N.C., is home to the Golden Knights. The parachute team is divided into two demonstration teams, Black and Gold. Each team works on signature showstoppers such as their diamond track demonstration, the cut-away maneuver and the baton pass.

The team will return to Homestead ARB in the fall to perform at the Wings Over Homestead air show Nov. 6-7. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)