On a day etched in American memory, a team of extraordinary skydivers soared above the Arizona desert, rewriting the record books. They didn’t just jump; they flew a colossal American flag, a breathtaking 3,200 square feet of stars and stripes, in a stunning freefall display.
The audacious attempt came after witnessing a new world record set just months prior in Libya. A Libyan team had deployed a large flag over Benghazi, but the display ignited a competitive spirit in retired U.S. Army Ranger Jariko Denman. He posed a simple question online: “Who’s down to break this record?”
That question sparked a mission. Denman connected with entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, and together they assembled a team of elite professionals. Among them was Hall of Fame skydiver Rook Nelson, alongside veterans including Senator Tim Sheehy and fellow experienced jumpers Steve Curtis and Nick Kush.
December 7th, 2025, was chosen as the date, a deliberate nod to a day of remembrance. Eloy, Arizona, a renowned skydiving hub, provided the perfect backdrop for the ambitious undertaking. The team prepared to reclaim the record for the United States.
From a vintage Vietnam-era Huey helicopter, at an altitude of 10,000 feet, the team launched into the open sky. They unfurled the massive flag – nearly double the size of the Libyan banner – initiating a jump unlike any seen before. It was a leap into the unknown, fraught with challenges.
The sheer scale of the flag, weighing in at 170 pounds, presented unprecedented difficulties. No one had ever attempted to control a flag of this magnitude in freefall, introducing a level of risk that demanded meticulous planning and exceptional skill. It was, by all accounts, a terrifyingly beautiful endeavor.
Only the most seasoned skydivers handled the flag itself, navigating the complexities of its weight and movement. A dedicated technical team, led by Steve Curtis and engineer Sterling Becklin, was instrumental in making the jump possible, transforming an idea into a tangible reality.
The jump was officially certified, and documentation is being submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records. The entire operation, from ascent to landing, was flawlessly executed, with all personnel and equipment returning safely to the ground.
For Senator Tim Sheehy, the achievement was more than just a record; it was a powerful symbol. He described it as a fitting tribute to the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence, a testament to the spirit of patriotism and the unwavering dedication of a remarkable team.
The record now rightfully belongs on American soil, a vibrant display of national pride achieved through courage, collaboration, and a shared determination to reach for the sky. It was a moment of unity, a breathtaking spectacle, and a resounding statement of American ingenuity.
