HEROES ON THE GROUND

LEGENDS IN THE SKY

The U.S. Navy Parachute Team began in 1969 when Navy SEALs and Underwater Demolition Team members volunteered to perform at weekend air shows. The team was officially commissioned “The Leap Frogs” in 1974 by the Chief of Naval Operations with the mission to demonstrate Navy excellence throughout the United States. Each team member has conducted real-world operations before volunteering to join this elite unit known as the Leap Frogs. Following a three-year commitment with the Navy Parachute Team, they will return to their operational units.

After we land we love answering questions about what it's like to be a Navy SEAL or SWCC. Before every demonstration we first do a "streamer pass" to help us gauge wind speed and direction. Sometimes we'll activate a smoke canister attached to one of our foot brackets and perform what's known as an "early burn." When you see the “early burn” smoke it means we're ready to go. The smoke canisters attached to our feet make it easier for you to see us. Sometimes we're more than two miles up!

The United States Navy Parachute Team “The Leap Frogs” is the official parachute demonstration team of the United States Navy. Part of the United States Naval Special Warfare Command. The Leap Frogs Navy Parachute Team is made up of active-duty Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) and support personnel. The team is sanctioned by the Department of Defense and recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration.