USO Andersen Joins the 73rd Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam

The holidays at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam are always special, but this year they were extraordinary. USO Andersen proudly joined the 73rd Operation Christmas Drop (OCD), a humanitarian tradition that embodies the essence of generosity, compassion and global unity. This event, recognized as the Department of Defense’s longest-running humanitarian airlift mission, showcases how collective effort can bring hope and joy to communities in need.

A Tradition of Giving

Operation Christmas Drop began in 1952 as a humble and heartfelt gesture when a crew of the U.S. Air Force, flying a training mission near the island of Kapingamarangi in Micronesia, decided to drop supplies to the islanders below. Over the decades, this act of kindness has evolved into a monumental annual operation involving the Air Force, allied partners and a network of volunteers, all working together to spread holiday cheer to some of the most remote islands in the Pacific.

This year’s operation was no different, and USO Andersen was thrilled to play a small role in the action. The preparation for the event was an impressive undertaking, requiring coordination, precision and an outpouring of community support. For the volunteers of USO Andersen, the heart of the mission lay in the Operation Christmas Drop box build.

The Box Build: A Labor of Love

The box build is a cornerstone of OCD, where hundreds of volunteers come together to pack essential supplies and festive treats into sturdy boxes. These packages are not just deliveries; they are lifelines and symbols of goodwill. This year, the community rallied together successfully decorating and assembling 220 boxes each filled with items tailored to the unique needs of the island communities across the Pacific.

The contents of the boxes included essential supplies such as rice, canned goods, fishing gear and educational materials. These practical items were accompanied by festive holiday gifts and messages of care and connection, ensuring that the true spirit of the season reached even the most remote corners of the world.

For the USO Andersen team, participating in the box build was an inspiring and moving experience. Volunteers shared stories and laughter as they worked alongside service members and community members, united by the shared goal of spreading hope and joy.

Delivering Hope from the Skies

Over a two-week period, the United States Air Force joined with allied nations as boxes were loaded onto aircraft, with anticipation in the air. Each aircraft was meticulously prepared for its mission: to air-drop these packages to 60 islands scattered across the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. These islands, many of which are so remote they lack regular access to supplies, eagerly await the annual arrival of these parachuted gifts.

The Spirit of Community and Gratitude

The success of the operation was a testament to the power of collaboration. From the OCD team to the various Air Force personnel who planned and executed the airlifts, to the volunteers who packed the boxes with care, every individual played a vital role in making this mission possible.

“USO Andersen is honored to have been a part of this incredible tradition,” shared USO Andersen Center Operations Coordinator Cristina Burnett. “We loved seeing our volunteers pour their creativity into the box build. Everyone was so excited to be part of something so great.”

A Legacy of Kindness

As the holiday season has now come to a close, the impact of this tradition continues to resonate. It serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together to help one another. The boxes that landed on these remote islands carried more than supplies — they carried the message that even across great distances, people care.

“USO Andersen extends heartfelt gratitude to the Operation Christmas Drop team for allowing us to participate in this extraordinary initiative. This monumental effort not only brought joy to thousands of islanders but also strengthened the bonds of global community and goodwill,” expressed Brianna Bentley, USO Andersen Center Operations Manager.

This past holiday season, the blue skies over the turquoise Pacific waters were filled with more than parachutes — they were filled with the spirit of giving. For USO Andersen, being part of such a meaningful mission was a gift in itself.