RHODE ISLAND
Leapfest 2024: International Airborne Competition Returns to Rhode Island
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Michael Iacona 110th Public Affairs Detachment | 08.03.2024
the direction of international jumpmasters, culminating in a foreign jump wings pinning ceremony.
EXETER, R.I. -- The skies over Rhode Island were once again filled with the sight of parachutes as Leapfest 2024, the world-renowned international airborne competition, took place on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Hosted by the Rhode Island Army National Guard, Leapfest is a prestigious annual operation aimed at fostering camaraderie and Esprit de Corps among airborne soldiers from across the globe. The competition draws participants from allied foreign militaries as well as all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Each team at Leapfest is composed of four participants who jump from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 1,500 feet (457 meters). Using MC-6 static line, steerable, parabolic parachutes, the jumpers attempt to land as close as possible to a designated area, marked with an X within the landing zone. Upon landing and performing a parachute landing fall (PLF), their time to reach the marked area is recorded by judges on the ground. Leapfest is both an individual and team event. Each jumper is required to complete two jumps to qualify for individual awards and teams must collectively complete eight jumps to be eligible for team awards. Adding to the event’s international flavor, a foreign jump exchange is conducted which puts soldiers under
The Rhode Island Army National Guard, alongside riggers, jumpmasters, and aviation support from other U.S. based units ensures the smooth execution of this high-profile event. “Leapfest represents the cutting edge of airborne operations and teamwork. Participants use the skills and dedication they bring with them from around the world to provide a seamless merging of cohesion and interoperability, each jump showcas- es the future of the capabilities of the United States and our allies while continuing to honor our past. Leapfest has become a beacon for the airborne community by redefining what’s possible when the best soldiers from around the world train and compete together,” said Major Jeffery Nelson, 56th Troop Command. This year Leapfest participants were equipped with a newer T11-R S/P (Reserve/Static Line Parachute), the newer design allows for enhanced stability during descent, minimizing os- cillations and other movements that could increase injury risk during landing. The design of the reserve parachute reduces the risk of injury by distributing the forces created during descent more evenly across the jumper’s body. It was designed to minimize malfunctions and ensure the reserve parachute deploys correctly in the event it is needed.
87
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator