The U.S. Navy Parachute Team (NPT) is a 15-member team comprised of parachuting experts from various specialties within the U.S. Navy. Those specialties include U.S. Navy SEAL (SEa, Air and Land), SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman) and Special Warfare PR (Parachute Rigger). Each member comes to the NPT for a three-year tour and returns to an operational unit upon completion of their time on the team.

The NPT began in 1969 when Navy SEAL and UDT members volunteered to perform at weekend air shows. The team was officially commissioned as the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, in 1974 by the Chief of Naval Operations and assigned the mission of demonstrating Navy excellence throughout the United States.

A typical NPT performance consists of 12 jumpers exiting from an aircraft at an altitude of 12,500 feet. During free fall, jumpers reach speeds of 120 mph and can accelerate up to 180 mph by pulling their arms to their sides and straightening their legs into a "track formation." The jumpers typically open their parachutes around 5,000 feet by releasing a smaller pilot chute that deploys their main blue-and-gold canopy. After deploying their chutes, the Leap Frogs fly their canopies together to build dramatic formations.

What is a SEAL?

SEAL (SEa, Air, Land) commandos 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. Each team member is trained in: weapons, explosives, combat diving, land navigation and many other aspects of special operations. SEALs are deployed around the world conducting a variety of missions such as direct action and special reconnaissance to combat terrorism.

What is a SWCC?

SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman) 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. Focusing on coastal and riverine warfare they covertly infiltrate and exfiltrate SEALs and other special operations forces, SWCC provide dedicated, rapid mobility in shallow water areas where larger ships cannot operate.

What is a Special Warfare PR?

PR (Parachute Rigger) is trained in air operations techniques and procedures. They pack and maintain premeditated personnel parachute equipment unique to Naval Special Warfare (NSW) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations. Special Warfare Rigger’s routinely deploy with SEAL and SWCC personnel to provide air operations support.

Naval Special Warfare Forces – Anywhere, Anytime

Together, members of the Navy Parachute Team make up the most versatile, well-trained forces in America’s arsenal. They have distinguished themselves as individually reliable, collectively disciplined and highly skilled warriors. On any given day, SEALs, SWCCs and PRs are deployed to approximately 25 countries around the world. With permanent NSW commands based around the world and the ability to work from ships, submarines, and various air assets, NSW forces’ maintain a continuous overseas presence enabling them to respond quickly, decisively, anywhere, at anytime.