Leap Frogs Parachute at Phoenix Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luke Eastman, U.S Navy Parachute Team Public Affairs

PHOENIX (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, participated in Phoenix Navy Week 2012, March 26-28.

The Leap Frogs performed three demonstrations at Agua Fria High School, Peoria Sports Complex, and Desert Ridge High School with a combined attendance of more than 10,000 people.

The Leap Frogs, composed of parachuting experts from Naval Special Warfare, performed aerial parachuting maneuvers called canopy relative work and flew an American flag, a POW/MIA flag and a Navy SEAL Trident flag during the performances. The Leap Frogs handed out signed photographs, talked to spectators about their jobs in Naval Special Warfare and showed spectators how to pack their parachutes after each performance.

"It was really inspirational," said Caitlin Gilmore, a freshman at Agua Fria High School. "Watching them parachute into the stadium like that, you see what people can push themselves to do and it kind of gives me hope that I can do what I want to do in the future. It makes me feel good about myself and encourages me to achieve whatever I want."

Phoenix 3TV News reporter Javier Soto rode along with the Leap Frogs in the C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 139th Airlift Wing of Missouri Air National Guard to watch the practice jump above Peoria Sports Complex, March 27.

"Awesome," said Soto. "That's the only way to describe my experience flying with the Navy Leap Frogs."

Commanding Officer of Navy Recruiting District Phoenix, Cmdr. Derek Wessman, also watched the practice jump from the baseball stadium at Peoria. He explained how Navy Weeks help convey the Navy's mission and achievements.

"One of the greatest challenges we have here in Phoenix is that we're in a landlocked state," said Wessman. "People out here don't see the Navy every day. We're not like a San Diego or a Norfolk where the ships come in and out of port all the time. So for people to see real Navy Sailors doing great things for the community really emphasizes the fact that we're a global force for good. The parachute demonstration team is a big eye catcher but it gives us an opportunity to have that conversation with people and explain to the community how much of an impact the navy has on our country and the world."

Phoenix Navy Week is one of 15 Navy Weeks planned across America this year. They are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy as a Global Force for Good and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.