Air force planes from Japan, Australia and the United States are dropping food and toys on remote islands in the Pacific as part of the United States military's longest humanitarian relief mission.
Air force planes from the U.S. started their humanitarian relief mission that aims to support 20,000 people across 56 islands in the Pacific including islands in Micronesia, Mariana Islands and Palau.
As reported by Fox News, the annual "Operation Christmas Drop" started in 1952 according to the U.S. Air Force. A Guam-based aircrew noticed residents waving at them from a small island of Kapingamarangi. The crew gathered items they had onboard and dropped them off with a parachute.
For the first time, Australia and Japan are joining the feel-good mission. This mission also helps U.S. establish ties with other countries. It has been cultivating its relationship with the trilateral relationship as China grows its territory and defence.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen Gregory Guillot said that these drop-offs offer trilateral training opportunities especially in times of time and budget constraints. The three nations also come together for the annual "Cope North" exercise in Guam and "Red Flag" drill in Alaska.
"Partnerships here in the Pacific are the key cornerstone in our strategy to maintain regional stability and prosperity. Japan and Australia share a common interest in that goal," Guillot said.
Military Times further reports that boxes contain books, canned food and other times like fishing nets to help the residents of the different islands maintain their livelihood. More so, each box will contain a soccer ball this year.
Many of the islands are minuscule with just 300 inhabitants and less than 2 miles in diameter and length.
The planes carrying the relief goods will fly low over the island to look for a safe spot to drop the boxes.
"It's from 300 feet and 130 knots, but you feel a kinship with these folks when you see them on the ground waving," said Col. Douglas C. DeLaMater, the commander of the U.S. Air Force's 374th Airlift Wing.
Using ham radios, University of Guam distance education staff communicates with the islanders throughout the year to relay their needs. Islands receiving support are almost the same each year.
So what do you think of this Christmas mission? Is it humanitarian or more for political purposes? Let us know your thoughts by leaving your comments below.
