A Leap of Faith and Excellence: Skydiving with the U.S. Navy's Leap Frogs

There's a humbling grandeur in sharing the skies with the U.S. Navy Parachute Team (NPT), known affectionately as the Leap Frogs. These ambassadors from the heavens are not your typical military exhibition team; they are active-duty Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and support personnel. Each jump they execute is a breathtaking display of precision, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence from an astonishing 12,000 feet.

I was privileged to witness NPT’s professionalism firsthand, not as an observer, but as a tandem jumper. Despite being a tandem instructor myself, military protocols meant that I was the front rider, strapped to one of these elite warriors. Yes, I did receive a few comments from the team, knowing I am a retired SEAL — the same type of humor we’d used to hear in the team room. Our jump was a practice run into Huntington Beach, an exhilarating prelude to the Pacific Air Show. There, I also reconnected with Ben, NPT’s Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) and former BUD/s (SEAL Training) classmate of mine from 2003.“For me, it’s incredibly humbling to be a part of this group of extraordinary people,” Ben said. “I could not have imagined, as a kid growing up in a small farming town in California’s Central Valley, that one day I would be able to look back over my career and have so many meaningful and poignant memories,”

The Leap Frogs trace their origins back to 1961, Initially as a group of volunteers from the Underwater Demolition Teams (and later SEAL Teams) who performed at air shows. Officially commissioned in 1974, their mission expanded to embody Navy excellence across the United States. With each team member having served in real-world operations, these seasoned veterans commit three years to the Leap Frogs before returning to operational units.

On the ground, the Leap Frogs rehearse tirelessly, each movement a testament to their naval ethos—honor, courage, and commitment. The Leap Frogs specialize in Canopy Relative Work, a technical discipline within skydiving that requires teamwork. During all my years of jumping, I was generally taught to maintain at least some separation between canopies for obvious reasons. The Leap Frogs do the opposite; they fly their canopies into each other. Just like other high-risk endeavors in the SEAL community, NPT’s aerial formations are meticulously planned, rehearsed, and executed

The rush of the jump is indescribable, especially since our release point was at the intersection of the beach and the Pacific Ocean. The moment the aircraft door opens, there’s a profound realization of the leap’s gravity. The freefall is both an adrenaline rush and a silent, awe-filled ballet with the sky. Below, the team’s formations come to life, as practiced on the ground, now against the canvas of the clouds and the vast expanse of the earth.

The Leap Frogs are a vital tool in Navy recruiting, particularly for rates within Naval Special Warfare. The Leap Frogs’ high visibility jumps into public events are not just about showmanship but also precision engagement. Landing in stadiums with the game ball or unfurling flags, they bring the adventure and camaraderie of Navy life to the forefront. At events like the Pacific Airshow, the Leap Frogs differentiate themselves from other air show participants in a crucial way: they land and immediately interact with the crowd to offer their unique perspective on being a member of Naval Special Warfare.

Each Leap Frog embodies the Navy’s adventurous spirit and professionalism. The enthusiasm with which they share stories of service, answer questions, and engage with the public is infectious. It's a powerful, personal form of outreach that brings the ideals of Navy service to life far beyond the typical recruitment poster.

“While it is inherently different for us to be in the public domain given the SEAL ethos of quiet professionalism, we recognize that public engagement is our job during our short three years on the [parachute] team.” Nick, NPT’s Officer in Charge, told me. “We are offering a glimpse into the air domain and expertise of the SEAL teams.”

As we landed, the reception from the onlookers was a palpable mix of admiration and curiosity. The Leap Frogs excel in this space, transitioning from warriors of the sky to approachable, real-life heroes who willingly share their experiences. Their interactions can turn a demonstration into a life-changing encounter for a prospective military recruit.

My time with the Leap Frogs was more than just a jump; it was a reminder of the warrior’s ethos. These men carry the weight of their combat experiences into every interaction, showcasing their pride in service and duty. They bring the Navy's message from the abstract into the tangible, allowing the public to engage with the military in an immediate and profound way.

“It is deeply satisfying for me to be able to share with the public, that if they desire a life of adventure, purpose, and deep camaraderie, there is a place for them within the Navy and specifically within Naval Special Warfare…. If they are willing to abandon self and embrace the team,” Ben said.

The Leap Frogs’ mission extends beyond entertainment or even recruitment. They forge a connection between the Navy and the American public, fostering appreciation for the armed forces and inspiring future generations. They are truly the Navy's spirit incarnate, taking to the skies to reach out and touch hearts and minds in a way that no other military unit can.

"For many folks we talk to, this is likely the first time they have met a SEAL, EOD, or someone from Naval Special Warfare,” Nick, the OIC said, “It’s our goal to demonstrate what you can accomplish when you train hard and work together as a team.”

Watching them perform, you understand that these men are not just executing a job; they're carrying on a proud tradition, bringing stories of courage and commitment to the skies, and demonstrating the far-reaching capabilities of the Navy. The Leap Frogs are indeed special emissaries, not just of the Navy, but of the potential and excellence within the human spirit and the American way of life.