Army Parachute Team Celebrates 50 Years

Army Parachute Team Celebrates 50 Years

Hundreds of Golden Knights, the elite U.S. Army Parachute Team and their families and friends gathered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the team’s existence. Initially called the Strategic Army Corps (STRAC) Sport Parachute Team, the original group of 13 was formed to halt the Eastern Bloc countries’ dominance of all international skydiving competitions and record-setting of the day. The team changed its name to the U.S. Army Parachute Team in 1961, and in 1962, adopted the nickname, the Golden Knights.  Current team commander, Lieutenant Colonel Tony Dill, claims, “They earned their nickname on the competition field of battle; Golden for the medals they won, and Knights for conquering the skies.”

The official purpose of the team is to compete in national and international parachute competitions, help develop new military parachuting techniques and equipment, and put on demonstrations in support of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

Paraclete XP honored the Golden Knights on this occasion sponsoring tunnel time to all members and their families, past and present.  Hours of flight time were enjoyed by all and we look forward to many more years of training with this world-class team of flyers.