American Skydivers Soar to New Heights with Massive Flag Jump, Reclaiming World Record
ELOY, Arizona — In a breathtaking display of patriotism and precision, a team of elite American skydivers set a new world record on December 7, 2025, by flying a massive 3,200-square-foot American flag during a freefall jump. This daring feat reclaimed the record previously held by Libya, whose jump over Benghazi in October had captured global attention.
The jump took place over Eloy, Arizona, a renowned hub for skydiving enthusiasts and professionals. The team, assembled by retired U.S. Army Ranger Jariko Denman and entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, included seasoned professionals from Skydive Arizona and Skydive Chicago, as well as Hall of Fame skydiver Rook Nelson. Veterans such as Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Steve Curtis, and Nick Kush also lent their expertise to the operation.
Launching from a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter at approximately 10,000 feet, the skydivers unfurled a flag nearly twice the size of Libya’s previous record-holder, which was flown on October 5, 2025. The American flag weighed an imposing 170 pounds, presenting unique challenges and risks that had never before been encountered in freefall flag deployments. According to Denman, “No one had ever attempted to fly a flag of this size before, creating a lot of unknowns and making the record-setting jump a pretty scary one.”
The meticulous planning and engineering behind the jump were critical to its success. Sterling Becklin engineered the deployment system from scratch, while Steve Curtis managed much of the operational workload. The team’s technical expertise allowed only the most experienced members to handle the flag during freefall, mitigating the significant dangers posed by the flag’s size and weight.
The jump was officially certified and is slated for submission to the Guinness Book of World Records. This achievement not only symbolizes American resilience and innovation but also serves as a tribute on Pearl Harbor Day, a solemn remembrance of the 1941 attack that galvanized the nation.
For those interested in the broader context of skydiving safety and regulations, the Federal Aviation Administration provides comprehensive guidelines on aerial activities. Additionally, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration offers insights into aerodynamics that underscore the complexity of such feats. The U.S. Army honors veterans like Denman, whose military background informed the discipline and precision required for the jump. Finally, the Guinness World Records website tracks and verifies extraordinary human achievements like this one.
This record-setting freefall jump not only highlights the skill and courage of American skydivers but also rekindles a spirit of national pride on a day dedicated to honoring those who served. As the flag soared through the Arizona skies, it carried with it a powerful message of unity and determination, soaring high above the desert landscape and into the annals of history.
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