# 2 U.F.O. & Nukes

 



 The open-aired museum sits in the middle of what was once Camp Laguna from April 1942- 1944. It’s located in front of the Yuma Proving Ground Visitor Center, which is home to a collection of combat vehicles, rockets, and artillery systems that have all been tested at Yuma Proving Ground. The majority of these pieces have a plaque located around their base with an explanation of what they are.

We also found some interesting flowers. Not sure what they are but I am sure they must have an interesting background being they grow wild in a test area.

The Yuma Proving Ground also played a major part in testing floating bridges, and yes this place never ceases to amaze me, the Test Branch at Imperial Dam tested so many different kinds of floating equipment, such as boats, rafts, ferries, trailers and drilling equipment, wonder why they were testing drilling equipment? They were working 16 hour days 6 days a week and this had to be one of the busiest places in the nation.     

During the administration of President John F. Kennedy, they had a complete review of the Department of Defense with an eye towards gaining greater efficiencies. Because of this review, in 1963 the Yuma Test Station was redesignated as the Yuma Proving Ground. Also known as the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground.

Yuma Proving Ground also tests Surveillance Drones probably like the ones we had hanging over our head in Wyoming and yes that is a whole new story. They also have unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft armament systems that are put through rigorous tests.  While not the birthplace of the U.S. Air Force's NAVSTAR / GPS system, Yuma Proving Ground has been the leading test site for that system since its earliest development. This place just doesn’t stop with all the history it holds.

Yuma Proving Grounds also is a very important area of testing and training for parachuting, which includes high-altitude jumps.

In 1977 former US president George H.W. Bush decided to jump out of an airplane at the great age of 72. This was not his first but his 2nd jump. His first jump was supposedly in 1944 when his bomber plane was hit and caught on fire, he had to evacuate into the water and later was rescued the soldier said he would jump again and he did, March 1997 at Yuma Proving Ground. Former US president George H.W. Bush marked every 5th birthday after his retirement by putting on a parachute and jumping from a plane. His last skydive took place on his 90th birthday in 2014, despite being confined to a wheelchair. What an amazing experience he must have had, I have a hard time climbing on top of our camper without getting nauseous. 

There is an abundance of attractions in this area of Arizona/California. We enjoy visiting this area just for the purpose of exploring its history and distinctive landscapes. Step outside and enjoy your surroundings.


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