The U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, performed a skydiving demonstration as part of the U.S. Naval Academy's annual Summer Seminar held for high school students from across the nation on June 16.

"We wanted our students to see the Navy in action," said Capt. Ann Kubera, director of admissions at the Naval Academy. "What better way than to have the Leap Frogs drop into their midst."

For many audience members, it was the first time they had seen a Navy event, let alone the parachute team.

"Many of our attendees have never had opportunities to attend Navy football games or other events where the Leap Frogs are showcased," said Kubera. "I know for some of them, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

More than 900 people, including students, midshipmen, and retired military, attended the Navy parachute team demonstration jump.

"It was an excellent opportunity for the students to get some exposure to Naval Special Warfare," said Lt. Duncan Hamilton, Navy parachute team's officer in charge.

After the Leap Frogs landed onto Worden Field, they took time to speak to high school students attending the Summer Seminar.

"The Navy parachute team spent lots of one-on-one time with the Summer Seminar students and inspired them to be better students and leaders," said Kubera. "There is nothing like meeting a Navy SEAL in person for these students to walk away with renewed motivation and determination."

For potential Naval Academy students, the rare opportunity to interact with a Navy SEAL face-to-face couldn't be more underscored.

"The Naval Academy Summer Seminar students spoke individually with each of the special warfare operators about what it takes to be a SEAL," said Hamilton. "Since Naval Special Warfare is such a small community, I don't think these students get much exposure to it throughout the week at Summer Seminar. This Navy parachute team event shows these Naval Academy candidates some of the more unique opportunities available to midshipmen upon graduation."

Being a Naval Academy graduate in 2009, the event was a special homecoming for Hamilton.

"It's always great getting to travel back to the Naval Academy, and even more amazing being able to see it from 5,000 feet in freefall," said Hamilton. "The Naval Academy was a launching point to where I'm at in my career now, so it was awesome being able to share my experiences with potential candidates."

More than 2,550 high school seniors attended Naval Academy Summer Seminar 2015 from all 50 states and overseas locations. Designed for high-achieving high school seniors, Summer Seminar is a fast-paced, six-day experience which gives students an idea of what life as a Naval Academy midshipman may be like.

The Leap Frogs are based in San Diego and perform aerial parachute demonstrations in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy recruiting. The team is celebrating their 41st anniversary this year, having been commissioned by the Chief of Naval Operations in 1974 and tasked with demonstrating Naval excellence throughout the United States.

For more information on the Navy Parachute Team, visit www.facebook.com/leapfrogs or www.twitter.com/navyleapfrogs.

For more news from U.S. Navy Parachute Team, visit www.navy.mil/.