The U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, “The Leap Frogs,” is scheduled to perform during the opening ceremony of the Centennial of Naval Aviation kick-off event over San Diego Bay, Feb. 12.
Free and open to the public, the event will feature more than 200 modern-day and historic aircraft from the past 100 years and performances by the Leap Frogs during the Parade of Flight.
“We’re very proud to be part of this historic event,” said Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Justin Gauny, the team’s leading chief petty officer. “The Navy has developed some incredible aircraft over the past century. Working beside them will be an honor and the possibility of jumping out of some of them is very exciting for us!”
The team plans to land on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), at Naval Air Station North Island, for one of the jumps. The carrier is homeported in Bremerton.
The Parade of Flight is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and may be viewed from NASNI show center. There will also be more than 75 historic, static aircraft, a classic car show, live entertainment and ship tours. Venue gates open at 9 a.m. and parking is free.
Background on “The Leap Frogs”
The U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, “The Leap Frogs,” was created in the late 1960s when Navy SEALs performed at air shows on weekends. The Department of Defense officially commissioned the Leap Frogs in 1974 with the mission of demonstrating Navy excellence throughout the United States. The Leap Frogs are based in San Diego.
The team currently consists of parachutists who are Navy SEAL (SEa, Air, Land), SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman) commandos and an aircrew survival equipmentman. SEALs are the U.S. Navy’s special operations force and the maritime component of U.S. Special Operations Command. SEALs are an offensive force focused on small-unit operations, which allow for increased mobility and flexibility. SWCC operators maintain the inventory of state-of-the-art, high-performance boats used for special operations missions. They are extensively trained in special operations craft and weapons tactics, techniques and procedures.
Leap Frogs performances may include canopy formations that team members create with their blue and gold parachutes. Some demonstrations also include colorful smoke, pyrotechnics, and a patriotic presentation of the American flag.
For more information about the Leap Frogs, visit: www.leapfrogs.navy.mil. For more information about NSW programs visit: www.sealswcc.com
