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Paratroopers from the U.S. and around the globe joined together to test their skills and precision in the skies above Rhode Island during Leapfest 2023, the largest static line parachute training event and competition in the world.
The international event is hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high-level technical training and esprit de corps within the global airborne community. Both individuals and teams can compete.
Parachute Preps
Paratroopers begin with a safety briefing before getting their chutes and having their equipment checked by an Army jumpmaster. Once the inspection is complete, it's time to load up for the jump.
Safety Briefing Army and international paratroopers attend a safety brief before donning their MC-6 parachutes during Leapfest at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, R.I., Aug. 5, 2023. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the international airborne community.
Photo By:Army Sgt. Eric Kestner
Getting Equipped An Air Force paratrooper receives his MC-6 parachute and reserve parachute during Leapfest at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, R.I., Aug. 5, 2023. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the international airborne community.
Photo By:Army Sgt. Eric Kestner
Jumpmaster Inspection An Army jumpmaster performs a jumpmaster personnel inspection for a British paratrooper before the familiarization jump during Leapfest at Quonset Point Air National Guard Base, R.I., Aug. 2, 2023. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the international airborne community.
Photo By:Army Staff Sgt. Keith Thornburgh
Loading Up British paratroopers wait to load up on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Leapfest at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, R.I., Aug. 5, 2023. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the international airborne community.
Photo By:Army Sgt. Eric Kestner
Leap Into Action
Jumpers exit from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 1500 feet using a static line, steerable, parabolic parachute.
Double Down International paratroopers descend onto the Glen Rock Drop Zone from a Ch-47 Chinook helicopter during Leapfest at Exeter, R.I., Aug. 5, 2023. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the international airborne community.
Photo By:Army Sgt. Eric Kestner
Taking a Leap A British soldier jumps out of a U.S. Army Ch-47 Chinook helicopter onto Glen Rock drop zone during Leapfest in Exeter, R.I., Aug. 2, 2023. The static line parachute event and competition promotes high level technical training and esprit de corps within the international airborne community.
Photo By:Army Reserve Sgt. Eric Kestner
Looking Up An Army paratrooper jumps from a CH-47 helicopter to the Glen Rock Drop Zone during Leapfest at Exeter, R.I., Aug. 5, 2023. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the international airborne community.
Photo By:Army Sgt. Eric Kestner
X Marks the Spot
The goal is to land as close as possible to a marked, designated area within the landing zone — if they miss — judges time the participants as they run to the sweet spot.
Target Race A British paratrooper runs to get to the target with his MC-6 parachute during Leapfest at Exeter, R.I., Aug. 5, 2023. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the international airborne community.
Photo By:Army Sgt. Eric Kestner
Touching Down An Army paratrooper performs a parachute landing fall onto the Glen Rock Drop Zone during Leapfest at Exeter, R.I., Aug. 5, 2023. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the international airborne community.
Photo By:Army Sgt. Eric Kestner
Judgement Day A British paratrooper performs a parachute landing fall in front of Leapfest judges at Glen Rock Drop Zone, Exeter, R.I., Aug. 5, 2023. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the international airborne community.
Photo By:Army Sgt. Eric Kestner
Solo paratroopers must complete two jumps and teams must complete eight jumps. The individual or team with the lowest combined time is the Leapfest winner!
