Yuma Proving Ground inducts new commander to take the reigns
The U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground had a change of command Thursday installing a new leader at the Army's premier testing center
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - After successfully completing his three-year assignment as Commander of U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), Col. Patrick McFall is handing over the torch to Col. John Nelson.
Col. Nelson has served for 28 years and is coming from the Army War College in Pennsylvania.
Nelson chose YPG because he wanted to be around experts in the testing field.
"Seeing things grow from products that are in development and going into operational production representative product for the Army," said Nelson.
Colonel Nelson said the first thing he will do is observe and learn.
"Before you start making changes you just listen to the people and see what they think about what direction you can go going forward," continued Col. Nelson.
He and his family are happy to be a part of YPG's great reputation.
"The testing capability that they have here is very impressive that I've been hearing over the last three days, so we're just excited to be a part of something that's so important to the Army and Army modernization," he said.
Col. Nelson said he's looking forward to building and maintaining relationships within the Yuma community to work together and get things done.
Col. McFall said his farewell today with his family by his side and said YPG is in good hands.
"I'm honored that he is going to be next in command and he's earned it and I trust the Army and I trust him," said Col. McFall.
He said he will miss the people in Yuma the most.
Col. Nelson said he's ready to go full force in his new role.
"I plan on bringing leadership, relationships. I'm big on relationships and just taking care of the mission and making sure that we get the equipment and weapons system to the Army," said Col. Nelson.
Col. Nelson said he’s not an office guy so you can expect him to be out in the field with the soldiers getting his hands dirty.
