41st LEAPFEST International Static Line Competition: Through the Lens

On August 1, 2026, I had the privilege of returning as official media for the 41st LEAPFEST International Static Line Competition, the largest and longest-running international military static line parachute competition in the world. Hosted by the Rhode Island Army National Guard, LEAPFEST brings together elite airborne units from across the United States and allied nations to compete in one of the military's premier parachuting events.

This year's competition once again showcased the precision, professionalism, and camaraderie that define the global airborne community. Teams of four paratroopers exited a CH-47 Chinook from approximately 1,500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) using MC-6 steerable static line parachutes, with each competitor striving to land as close as possible to the designated target on the drop zone.

As official media, I was fortunate enough to document the event from a unique perspective. In addition to covering the competition from the ground, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph airborne operations while flying aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk, capturing the teamwork, precision, and dedication of the service members participating in this internationally recognized event.

From the anticipation before takeoff to the moment each parachute opened over the Rhode Island countryside, every jump highlighted the skill and discipline required of today's airborne forces. The competition is more than a contest of accuracy—it is a celebration of military partnership, international cooperation, and the enduring esprit de corps shared among airborne soldiers around the world.

The 41st LEAPFEST continued a tradition that began in 1982, bringing together military personnel from multiple nations to strengthen relationships through friendly competition while demonstrating the highest standards of airborne operations.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Rhode Island National Guard, the LEAPFEST staff, and everyone involved in making this event possible. It is an honor to document these moments and share the professionalism, dedication, and teamwork displayed by every participating service member.

Over the coming days, I'll be publishing a full gallery featuring aircraft operations, aerial photography from the UH-60 Black Hawk, static line jumps from the CH-47 Chinook, and many of the unforgettable moments that made the 41st LEAPFEST another incredible success.

Thank you for following along, and stay tuned for the complete photo collection from one of the world's premier military airborne competitions.

A CH-47 Chinook deploys airborne personnel during the 41st LEAPFEST International Static Line Competition as photographed by DroneOnThe603 Media.