Leap Frogs Participate in Phillies Home Opener

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

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, presented the first pitch baseballs during the pre-game ceremony of the 2012 Philadelphia Phillies home-opener game at Citizens Bank Park, April 9.

The Leap Frogs were schedule to jump into the stadium from a C-130 Hercules aircraft flown by members of the 139th Airlift Wing from Missouri Air National Guard, but were unable to perform due to unsafe weather conditions.

The crew did perform a flyover for the more than 45,000 people in attendance immediately following the national anthem.

"It was a great event," said Joseph Pinkerton, a spectator at the game. "When the C-130 flew over after the national anthem, it was just perfect timing."

Service members from every military branch displayed an American flag that covered half the field during the national anthem. The crowd clapped and cheered and fireworks went off as the C-130 flew over the stadium.

Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Hareso, 11th Fighter Wing of Pennsylvania Air National Guard, was in charge of the flag detail during the ceremony.

"The most impressive part of this is that it's multi-service," said Hareso. "We have Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. There's about 140 people presenting the flag, then we all get to celebrate and watch the Phillies play."

The Leap Frogs and the aircrew also made an appearance on top of the Phillies dugout for a brief introduction during the seventh-inning stretch.

"This is an annual event for the Leap Frogs and even though we weren't able to jump today, we're always happy to be here and support the Phillies," said Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Brad Woodard, the Leap Frogs' team chief. "We're here in support of Naval Special Warfare, and the people in Philadelphia always give us such a warm welcome."

The performance at Citizens Bank Park is one of 35 major events on the Leap Frogs' schedule this year. The team is based in San Diego and performs aerial parachute demonstrations across America in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy recruiting.