APRIL 9, 2026 – The United States Army Parachute Team was in Marana, Arizona March 31 through April 2 conducting tandems for local patrons.
USAPT conducts worldwide parachute jumps using a tandem orientation program that connects the U.S. Army with the American public and enhances the Army’s recruiting efforts.
The tandem team consists of 15 Soldiers selected from a core of highly qualified parachutists from within the unit.
The organization conducted their first tandem event of the year at Pima Airport in Marana, Ariz.
Though the team has conducted demonstrations and competitions in Arizona, this was the first tandem event in unit history that the team has been hosted in the state.
“It was a great event,” said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Garner, tandem Instructor and lead representative for this event. “We were able to adapt and operate in a new environmentand get exposure to a new region. I look forward to going back.”
Those that attended the event were able to interact with Soldiers throughout the day and watch the jumps as the tandems landed. Located on the outskirts of Tucson, the tandem passengers had beautiful views of the southern Arizona landscape.
“I have nothing but positive comments from the passengers,” said Col. Steven Weber, the Commander of the Phoenix Recruiting Battalion. “They didn’t even know they could do something like this so they were super excited. We look forward to future events with the team.”
USAPT tandem team typically conducts at least 10 tandem events annually, as well as hundreds of training jumps and events throughout the year. Their mission brings the American public closer to the sport of parachuting and the opportunity to get to know actual Soldiers in the U.S. Army.
One of the passengers, Liza Steele, described her experience with the team.
“This was my first skydive,” Steele said, “It was fantastic, everything I expected it to be. I’d love to go again right now. My instructor was just incredible.”
USAPT is a unit under the U.S. Army Marketing and Engagement Brigade, a subsidiary of U.S. Army Recruiting Command. USAREC is responsible for manning both the active Army and the U.S. Army Reserve, ensuring security and readiness for our Nation.
Passenger Jessie Hammit, who has previously jumped with private entities, described her experience. “My jump was a lot more fun [than previous tandem jumps],” Hammit explained.
“They [the Golden Knights] really gave me an overall better experience. I felt secure, fully briefed on safety, and they made me feel so comfortable.”
USAPT conducted 37 tandem jumps in the 3-day event. The team took passengers from all over the southern Arizona region.
Story by Megan Hackett
U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights