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The RAAF has helped deliver toys and supplies to 20,000 people across 6 million square kilometres as part of Operation Christmas Drop 24.
Led by the United States Pacific Air Forces from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, Operation Christmas Drop 24, which ran from 4 to 17 December, involved a RAAF C-130J Hercules and 35 Australian Defence Force personnel working with counterparts from the US, Japan and South Korea.
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Remote island communities, including in Palau, Micronesia and Northern Marianas, saw airdrops of donated toys, books, clothing, school supplies and essential items in 200-kilogram reinforced cardboard bundles, with missions lasting up to 10 hours of flight time.
“Operation Christmas Drop utilises the skills, roles and capabilities that we use on air mobility operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” said Flight Lieutenant Elle Bradshaw, C-130J pilot and RAAF detachment commander.
“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.”
Aircraft need to conduct safe low-level flights in order to accurately get the bundles to drop zones, said Flight Lieutenant Bradshaw, which requires “careful coordination and expert timing”.
“Operation Christmas Drop allows us to test our ability to effectively plan long-distance missions and deliver to unfamiliar and difficult drop zones,” she said.
“It promises to be a fulfilling experience for us to support remote Pacific communities and share the joy of the festive season.”
Australia has participated in the annual Operation Christmas Drop since 2015.
It comes after Australian Aviation reported earlier this year how the international C-130J Super Hercules fleet had surpassed 3 million flight hours.
The ADF is one of 21 national militaries contributing to flight time achievement, aided by the aircraft’s huge versatility as a go-to for transport, aerial refuelling and special operations.
The Australian federal government has previously announced it will purchase 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft for the RAAF for $9.8 billion to replace and expand upon 12 Hercules currently operated by the Air Force.
Delivery of the first is expected from late 2027.
