Parachute team to soar over Homestead

  • Published
  • By Tim Norton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  The world famous U.S. Army parachute team, Golden Knights, will be traveling to Homestead Air Reserve Base for winter training Jan. 25 to March 5, 2010.

The team has been traveling to Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz., since 1962, but will be returning to Florida this year, where the original team trained 50 years ago.

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 has vast runways and airspace, all beneficial to the training of the "Knights". Staying on the East Coast also saves the Army considerable fuel cost.

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

"We are excited to host the Golden Knight's for their winter training here at Homestead ARB. Our exceptional weather, great community hospitality and outstanding base support make for a win-win situation," said Brig. Gen. William B. Binger, 482nd Fighter Wing commander. "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, reaching an average 20,000 people per show.

The team's mission is to conduct parachute demonstrations, 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.

Most recently, the Tandem Team was host to Former President George H. W. Bush at Kennebunkport, Maine celebrating his 85th birthday.

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 show stoppers such as their diamond track demonstration, the cut-away maneuver, and the baton pass.

The team will return to Homestead ARB as one of the featured performers at the Wings Over Homestead air show Nov. 6-7.