Skydiving with SOCOM Para-Commandos
Jun 23, 2018, 10:55 PM | Updated: 11:01 pm
LAYTON, Utah – The United States Special Operations Command Parachute Team is one of the many performers at the Utah Air Show this weekend.
The Para-Commandos took News Specialist Caitlin Burchill along for her first skydive.
“We represent the various special operations command members. The U.S Army Special Forces, the Rangers, the U.S. Navy Seals, the Air Force Pararescue,” said US SOCOM Para-Commandos team member Chris Fucci.
Even thirty years after his first jump, Fucci is just as excited as this first timer.
“What is it that you like so much about…?,” asked Burchill.
Fucci answers before Burchill can even finish her question, “Freefall. You’re going to love it. It is the purest form of flight.”
Our jump is this tandem instructor’s 4,471st to be exact.
“What’s most important is that you’re attached to me and it’s really in my interest to take really good care of you too,” Fucci told Burchill joking.
The Para Commandos skydive for crowds of families and future military members at air shows around the country.
“They’re going to grow up in the world we’re protecting and we want to give them the rights and freedom we’ve enjoyed our entire career,” said Fucci about why the Para-Commandos love interacting and inspiring kids at air shows.
Up 11-thousand feet, it’s time to jump.
The mile long free fall flashes by when you’re flying at 120 miles per hour.
With a pull of the parachute, it’s time to float under canopy.
It was a moment to remember the men and women doing just this, but in warzones for us.
“They’re deployed around the world, they’re out protecting our country and defending our freedom right now. We like to showcase what they’re doing out there just in a little bit nicer environment,” Fucci said.
