ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) -- Operation Christmas Drop 2025 came to an end at Andersen Air Force Base, Dec. 14.
This year marks the 74th iteration, bringing together service members from the U.S., Canada, Japan and South Korea for the Department of War’s longest-running humanitarian airlift mission.
Around 270 bundles were constructed, filled and loaded onto C-130 Hercules aircraft, providing essential goods to 56,000 Pacific islanders across 59 remote islands in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau.
This year’s Operation Christmas Drop extended humanitarian assistance reach, providing aid to a new chain of islands: the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
“Operation Christmas Drop, at its core, is a story of people helping people”, said U.S. Air Force Capt. Nicolas Westrick, Operation Christmas Drop 2025 president. “It’s about showing up for neighbors, separated by thousands of miles, but connected by compassion. It’s about partnership across nations, cultures and communities.”
Operation Christmas Drop not only provides critical aid, but also enhances aircrew training, fosters interoperability among allies and strengthens partnerships to ensure regional stability and humanitarian readiness.
“Teamwork isn’t built on paper—you build it by flying, planning and solving problems as one.” said Lt. Col. Matthew Buchholtz, 36th Airlift Squadron lead as part of the 374th Air Expeditionary Wing. “This year, we once again proved our international crews are synchronized and ready for any challenge. Seeing four nations flying together isn't just about humanitarian assistance—it's about showing the world our partnerships are airborne and ready.”
Through OCD25, the 374 AEW demonstrated Agile Combat Employment across the island chains by relocating the Pacific Air Force’s tactical airlift capability from Japan to Guam.
“The Indo-Pacific is the world’s most disaster-prone region, accounting for over 40% of global natural disaster events. An estimated 80% of those affected by such disasters have been in our region,” said Col. Nathan Powell, 374 AEW commander. “Practicing dynamic airdrop delivery with our theater allies and partners demonstrates our unified purpose, strengthens trust with the communities we serve, and keeps us ready to respond when disaster strikes.”
The success of OCD25 is a testament to the strong relationship and cooperation we have with our international allies, further solidifying the bonds between our nations.