An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  

A Loadmaster Completes Her First Operation Christmas Drop

21 December 2021

From Tech. Sgt. Joshua Edwards

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- It was a hot, muggy day, but Santa still had to deliver presents to islands in the Pacific.

For a lot of people in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau, one of their Santas during the 70th Anniversary of Operation Christmas Drop was Senior Airman Kim Doyle, 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster.

“This is my first humanitarian mission and it’s been life changing for me,” said Doyle. “Most of what I do at Yokota is just training and preparing for a crisis. I’m just so glad I had the opportunity to come out here and a be a part of this mission.”

As part of her job for the OCD mission, Doyle peered over the loading ramp, picked and mark drop zones, and communicated that information to the pilots of her C-130J Super Hercules.

“These loadmasters do a dangerous job, and I’m just grateful, every day, that we have them on the back of our plane,” said 1st Lt. Harrison Law, 36th AS pilot. “I see Airmen Doyle as a little sister. She’s an extremely hard worker, and she isn’t afraid to tell us what to do and how to handle things for her.”

During a few of her flights, she had the chance to show some Japanese Air Self-Defense Force members, who were flying C-130H Super Hercules, how she accomplishes the mission.

“I find it interesting how we get to interact with our partners here,” said Doyle. “During OCD, the JASDF have flown on our plane, which is a little bit different than theirs. I got to give them a tour and answer all their questions on the differences.”

This year, Doyle’s efforts contributed to supplying aid to over 22,000 residents across more than 55 remote islands in the South-Eastern Pacific.

“It was emotional for me, since this was the first time I’ve done anything like this. Knowing that we are out here giving aid to these people is a phenomenal experience.”
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                      

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
New Korea Rotational Force announced
Feb. 15, 2025 - The U.S. Army last month announced that the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, will replace 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, as part of a regular rotation of forces to support the...

USS Howard Conducts Port Visit in Otaru, Japan
Feb. 14, 2025 - OTARU, Japan (Feb. 11, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) concluded a port visit in Otaru, Japan, Feb 11...

3rd MLG to Support Multiple US/ROK Military Exercises
Feb. 14, 2025 - Hundreds of U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines are set to launch a nearly two-month series of bilateral training exercises across the South Korean Peninsula from February to April 2025...

USINDOPACOM Commander addresses Honolulu Defense Forum
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, delivers opening remarks during the Honolulu Defense Forum at the Alohilani Resort in Honolulu on Feb. 13, 2025. The forum focuses on leveraging geography, private-public partnerships, and the power of alliances and partnerships to strengthen resilience and enhance deterrence. USINDOPACOM’s primary mission is the protection and defense of the homeland of the U.S., its people and its interests, by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
Feb. 14, 2025 - Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, delivered the keynote address at the Honolulu Defense Forum in Waikiki, Hawaii, Feb. 13, 2025...

Breaking the Ice, Breaking up Ground: III MSB Marines conduct joint training event with Army 11th Engineer Battalion Soldiers
Feb. 14, 2025 - Early on the morning of February 6, 2025, the Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III MEF Information Group joined Soldiers from 63rd Clearance Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division...
Guidance-Card-Icon Dept-Exclusive-Card-Icon