Media Release
Operation Christmas Drop Spreads Cheer to Micronesia's Remote Outer Islands
December 31, 2008
Three United States Air Force C-130s helped ensure happy holidays for the 57th consecutive year for over 36,000 residents of dozens of outlying islands in Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap, Palau and the Northern Marianas. From December 14-19, “Santa 1,” “Santa 2” and “Santa 3” flew 16 missions totaling 95 flight hours. They delivered 186 humanitarian airdrops containing over 20 tons of donated gifts and lifesaving supplies to 80 impact points on 68 islands, covering an ocean area the size of the continental United States. The large aircraft arrived suddenly and dramatically, making steep dives over each island at 300-500 feet above sea level.
This year, the world’s longest running humanitarian airlift broke all previous records with the most packages ever dropped by “Santa’s Helpers.” The tradition began in December 1952 when a weather reconnaissance plane flew over Ponape’s Kapingamarangi Atoll. The aircrew spotted a group of waving islanders and was instantly filled with the holiday spirit. Gathering up the food they had plus whatever other useful items they found on board, they stuffed it all into a canister. Circling back around, the airmen dropped the container with a parachute as a supposedly makeshift Christmas present to the happy crowd below. The overjoyed recipients then built a B-29 from palm fronds to try to lure that first plane to return the following year.
Operation Christmas Drop’s sole purpose is to aid the people of neighboring smaller islands that do not have airstrips or major ports. This annual mission of charity coordinates volunteer efforts from both military and civilian agencies to distribute donations received from all corners of the world. Each twin box dropped by parachuted pallet this year weighed 250 pounds and contained assorted food, construction materials, tools, clothing, medical supplies, fishing equipment, school supplies and toys. The U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force united to collect 74 parachutes. Guam residents built the boxes for this year’s drops.
USAF Capt. Daniel F. Davis, Mission Commander for this year’s event, remarked afterwards, “Operation CHRISTMAS DROP is a completely unique experience for members of the 374th Airlift Wing. The direct support we provide to the people of Micronesia allows all involved to make a tangible difference in the world. To make that difference, many diverse parts work together. Aircraft maintainers put in long hours to provide mission-capable aircraft. Airdrop riggers ensure the bundles can be airdropped effectively. The aircrews have the opportunity to fly in a dynamic environment and actually see the islanders who benefit from the airdrops. Finally, the people of Guam and the 36th Air Wing at Andersen Air Force Base work all year gathering supplies and building packages to ensure our friends are getting the supplies they need. All this effort has come together for the past 56 years to provide a bit of holiday cheer for a special group of people. It is a privilege to participate in the 2008 installment of this humanitarian tradition, and we look forward to continuing it for years to come."