U.S. Indo-Pacific Forces Participate in Annual Operation Christmas Drop

Photo By Staff Sgt. Matthew Gilmore | Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Phil Davidson walks with local leaders of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) prior to boarding a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules during Operation Christmas Drop 2018 on the island of Chuuk, FSM, Dec. 10, 2018. The visit allowed Davidson the opportunity to not only take in the OCD mission firsthand, but also share that experience with the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew Gilmore)  

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM

12.10.2018

Story by Senior Airman Matthew Gilmore 

374th Airlift Wing

Santa 21 returned to the “north pole” of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam after delivering three bundles to the island of Nama in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on Dec. 10, 2018.

Among the helpers on board was non-other than the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Phil Davidson.

In its 67th year, Operation Christmas Drop (OCD) will go on to provide 25 tons of critical supplies to 20,000 people throughout the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, FSM, and the Republic of Palau, serving as the world’s longest running airdrop training mission.

“Today we dropped food, tools, and toys on just one of the 56 islands that will receive humanitarian bundles over the next few days,” said Davidson. “Having the opportunity to see our aircrews make that airdrop really reminded me how much of a great privilege it is for not only the Indo-Pacific Command perspective, but also the Pacific Air Forces command perspective to have been doing this mission for 67 years.”


In addition to the U.S. Air Force, the Japan Air-Self Defense Force (Koku Jietai), and the Royal Australian Air Force also participated in the effort to better prepare to respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief situations in the region by dropping Coastal Humanitarian Air Drops thus increasing interoperability.

“The importance of the JASDF and RAAF as our allies cannot be understated,” said Davidson. “By working together on things like OCD, it really goes to show the mutual concern we each have for security in the Pacific.”

• Date Taken: 12.10.2018
• Date Posted: 12.10.2018 21:18
• Story ID: 302931
• Location: ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GU