Team "Drops In" On LA Dodgers Game
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.
File Photo
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.
ANN Salutes Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michelle
Turner