A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130J Hercules transport aircraft is delivering donated toys, books, clothing, school supplies and essential items to remote communities across the West Pacific for Operation Christmas Drop 24.
Conducted from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam from 4-17 December, Operation Christmas Drop 24 is a United States Pacific Air Forces-led activity that involves 35 Australian Defence Force personnel working with counterparts from the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Hercules crews are flying missions of up to ten hours and airdropping bundles of donated goods to 20,000 people over an area of six million square kilometres. This includes remote island communities in the Republic of Palau, Northern Marianas, and Federated States of Micronesia.
Flight Lieutenant Elle Bradshaw, C-130J pilot and RAAF detachment commander, said Australia had participated in Operation Christmas Drop since 2015.
"Operation Christmas Drop utilises the skills, roles and capabilities that we use on air mobility operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," Flight Lieutenant Bradshaw said.
"In the spirit of the season, Operation Christmas Drop brings together Hercules crews from around the Pacific to work together for a good cause.
"It's a rare opportunity for us to build working-level relationships with other Hercules crews, assist Pacific communities, and refine our skillsets for the future."
During each mission, Hercules crews airdrop 200-kilogram reinforced cardboard bundles containing fishing line, rice, sporting equipment and school supplies, along with donated toys, books and clothing.
Careful coordination and expert timing is required to safely fly at low level and accurately airdrop bundles to drop zones on beaches, lagoons, and island clearings.
"Operation Christmas Drop allows us to test our ability to effectively plan long-distance missions and deliver to unfamiliar and difficult drop zones," Flight Lieutenant Bradshaw said.
"It promises to be a fulfilling experience for us to support remote Pacific communities and share the joy of the festive season."
