Leap Frogs Parachute During First LA Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michelle Turner

LOS ANGELES (NNS) -- Nearly 40,000 baseball fans watched the Leap Frogs, the U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, perform during the opening ceremony of a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game as part of Los Angeles' inaugural Navy Week, July 30.

The Leap Frogs, composed of parachuting experts from Naval Special Warfare, also performed at Santa Monica Pier and Knott's Berry Farm July 31 and made an appearance at the Summer X-Games in support of Navy Week.

The Dodgers welcomed approximately 1,000 Sailors into the stadium to celebrate the Dodgers' Navy Appreciation Day, which included the Leap Frogs, the Navy Band, a local sea cadet unit, Sailors from several Navy ships and a special appearance by the Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert. Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Isaiah Maring, assigned to the Leap Frogs, carried the game ball as he parachuted in and presented it to Greenert, who threw out the first pitch.

"It was fabulous!" said Heather Herndon, a Dodgers baseball fan. "It was really exciting watching them come down and the stream of colors was really fun. It's great to see all of the (Navy dress white uniforms) sitting in the stadium all in one place. It makes you really proud."

The Leap Frogs presented a signed, framed photograph of the team to former Dodgers manager and Baseball Hall of Famer, Tommy Lasorda. Lasorda took time to chat with the team after the presentation and expressed his deep appreciation for the military and everything its members do for Americans every day.

The Leap Frogs' performances at Santa Monica Pier and Knott's Berry Farm were just as exciting and the team was met by a cheering crowd of spectators at both venues. Sea cadets from two local units provided security at Santa Monica Pier event and helped the Leap Frogs pack their parachutes after the jump. It was a great opportunity for young, future Sailors to meet veteran Sailors – some with more than 20 years of Naval service.

Chief Warrant Officer (SEAL) Keith Pritchett, Leap Frogs officer-in-charge, said that having the opportunity to meet people and show them appreciation is a great part about Navy Weeks.

"The variety of jump locations allowed us to get out and meet thousands of people all over Los Angeles," said Pritchett. "It's about the people and showing them who their Navy men and women are."

Los Angeles Navy Week is one of 21 Navy Weeks scheduled across the country this year. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they make in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. The Leap Frogs are based in San Diego and perform aerial parachute demonstrations across America in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy Recruiting.