The U. S. Navy Parachute Team, known as the Leap Frogs, is a fifteen man team comprised entirely of U. S. Navy SEAL and Special Warfare commandos. The parachute team began in 1969 when Navy SEALs and Frogmen volunteered to perform at weekend air shows. It is assigned the mission of demonstrating Navy excellence throughout the United States in support of Navy recruiting efforts and to inform the American public about Navy Special Warfare. The Leap Frogs practice for three months out of the year to ensure that safety measures are met.
The Leap Frogs are renowned for their exciting and complex skydiving formations. After leaving their aircraft and during free fall, jumpers reach speeds up to 120 mph and can accelerate up to 180 mph by pulling their arms to their sides and straightening their legs into what is called a “track.” The jumpers typically open their parachutes at around 5,000 feet by releasing a smaller pilot chute which deploys their main blue and gold canopy.
During their jump onto the new HHS football field, the Leap Frogs landed with the official Hamilton High School Navy JROTC Unit flag, presenting it to unit commander Will Cox. Following their performance, members of the parachute team made themselves available to high school students and staff to answer questions about the Navy and about Navy Special Warfare.
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