YPG reflects on D-Day legacy

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - As the nation marks the anniversary of D-Day, Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is remembering its role in preparing Soldiers for one of World War II's (WWII) most significant operations.

During the war, thousands of troops trained in the Desert Southwest, including at Camp Laguna, which was located within what is now YPG.

Seven of the 20 divisions that trained in the region later took part in the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Yuma also contributed to the war effort through equipment testing. The Army's M2 Treadway Bridge and improvements to the Bailey Bridge system were tested here before helping Allied forces advance across Europe.

Today, YPG remains the last active Army installation in Arizona connected to the historic Desert Maneuver Area.

Officials say the site's legacy lives on through the Soldiers who trained in the desert and helped secure victory during WWII.