U.S., Japan, Australia commence Operation Christmas Drop

ANDERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Guam, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Aircrews from the U.S. Air Force, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the Royal Australian Air Force began Operation Christmas Drop on Tuesday.

During the humanitarian operation, the aircrews cooperated in delivering air-dropped donated goods and supplies over remote and populated islands in the Pacific Ocean from C-130 Hercules aircraft. The mission also served as disaster relief and humanitarian aid training for personnel involved.

"Members of our community consider all Micronesians brothers and sisters and we are happy to share this unique tradition in bridging the distance; that's the beauty of this operation, its impact goes beyond the coastline of Guam," said Brig. Gen. Andrew Toth, the 36th WG commander in a statement.

Operation Christmas Drop is the Department of Defense's longest-running humanitarian airlift mission, in operation since 1952. The U.S. Air Force estimates the mission affects over 20,000 islanders, who receive an estimated 40,000 pounds of goods and supplies air-dropped by C-130 aircraft. Nations affected include the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.

Donations were left at both military installations and the Government of Guam's facilities. Airdrop missions also allowed participating personnel to practice combat skills and strengthen partnerships with their counterparts.