JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The U.S. Air Force, Allies and partner nations are making final preparations for Operation Christmas Drop 2024. This annual humanitarian activity brings essential supplies to remote communities in the Pacific starting Dec. 4 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
Operation Christmas Drop displays the shared capabilities of Indo-Pacific Air Forces and is a testament to the U.S. Air Force's enduring support of humanitarian assistance.
The airdropped bundles of food, supplies, and other hard to source items are expected to reach nearly 60 remote islands across the Pacific, including locations in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The success of this humanitarian activity is made possible through the collaborative efforts of multiple organizations, including the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Philippine Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, and the U.S. Air Force.
The multinational operation, led by the 374th Airlift Wing from Yokota Air Base, Japan, improves interoperability and communication for future real-world humanitarian assistance and disaster relief requirements. The tradition underscores the commitment to regional security and humanitarian cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Alongside Airmen from the 36th Wing at Andersen AFB and the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, they plan and execute low-cost, low-altitude airdrops for these missions.
For more information, to include the airdrop flyover schedule, visit http://www.andersen.af.mil/ocd/ or direct any questions to the OCD24 Combined Joint Information Bureau at 374aw.pa.mediaoperations@us.af.mil.