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Banner Photo Gallery

  • Orient Shield 25: Tactical Maneuver Training

    Sep 24 2025
    250919-A-KM154-1018
    NIIGATA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2025) — U.S. Army Missouri National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 138th Infantry Regiment and Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel conduct tactical maneuver training as part of Orient Shield 25 at Sekiyama Training Area, Niigata, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. Orient Shield 25 is a large-scale U.S. Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and Australian’s field exercise that focuses on converging U.S. Army Multi-Domain Operations and JGSDF Cross-Domain Operations through bilateral field training and live fire exercises that focus on a dynamic forward posture, enhancing tactical skills and interoperability. Now in its 40th iteration, OS25 underscores the ironclad commitment by the United States, Japan and Australia to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniela Lechuga Liggio)

  • U.S. Marines, Sailors, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members refuel AH-64 Apaches with MV-22B Ospreys

    Sep 24 2025
    250919-M-AD637-1205
    IE SHIMA, Japan (Sept. 24, 2025) — U.S. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing perform a hot seat switch during Resolute Dragon 25 on Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base, Kagoshima, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeremiah Barksdale

  • U.S. Marines, Sailors, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members refuel AH-64 Apaches with MV-22B Ospreys

    Sep 23 2025
    250919-M-AD637-1151
    IE SHIMA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2025) — U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cole Goodrich, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, gives a signal for refueling during exercise Resolute Dragon 25 on Ie Shima, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. Goodrich is a native of Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeremiah Barksdale)

  • Navy and Marine jets fly at MCAS Iwakuni

    Sep 22 2025
    YAMAGUCHI, Japan
    IWAKUNI, Japan (Sept. 22, 2025) — A U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II jet with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, Carrier Air Wing 5, conducts field carrier landing practice at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 18, 2025. Pilots aboard various aircraft at MCAS Iwakuni have to accumulate the required quantity of flying hours every month to maintain proficiency and expertise with their airframe via daily flight activities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Maikeyla Reyes)

  • Freedom Edge 25

    Sep 19 2025
    KADENA AIR BASE, Japan
    KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (Sept. 16, 2025) — A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, departs after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, during Freedom Edge 25 over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 16, 2025. Freedom Edge demonstrates the trilateral defense cooperation’s ability to achieve peace through strength on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

  • RD 25 | 12th LCT and 8th Division Execute a Bilateral Live-Fire Range

    Sep 19 2025
    250915-M-AO948-1141
    OITA, Japan (Sept. 15) — U.S. Marines with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, fire the FGM-148 Javelin during Resolute Dragon 25 at Hijudai Maneuver Area, Oita Prefecture, Japan, Sept. 15, 2025. Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rodney Frye

  • U.S. Marines, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force operate forward arming, refueling point

    Sep 18 2025
    250912-M-JH235-1064
    JGSDF CAMP METABARU, Japan (Sep. 12, 2025) — A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing flies over Saga Prefecture, Japan, Sept. 12, 2025, during exercise JGSDF CAMP METABARU, Japan (Sep. 12, 2025) — A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing flies over Saga Prefecture, Japan, Sept. 12, 2025, during exercise Resolute Dragon 25. Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise strengthens the command, control, and multidomain maneuver capabilities of Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, focusing on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Sotodavila) . Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise strengthens the command, control, and multidomain maneuver capabilities of Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, focusing on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Sotodavila)

  • RD25 | 12th Littoral Combat Team Mortar Range

    Sep 17 2025
    250913-M-AO948-1174
    OITA, Japan (Sep. 13, 2025) — U.S. Marines with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, wait for a fire mission during Resolute Dragon 25 at Hijudai Maneuver Area, Oita Prefecture, Japan, Sept. 13, 2025. Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rodney Frye)

  • U.S., Japan, Republic of Korea navies sail during Exercise Freedom Edge in U.S. 7th Fleet

    Sep 17 2025
    250916-N-SF508-1872
    U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Sept. 16, 2025) — Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy, and U.S. Navy ships sail in formation in support of Exercise Freedom Edge 25, Sept. 16. Trilateral exercises like Freedom Edge demonstrate a shared commitment to achieve and maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charles Oki)

  • Every Jump Matters: 31st RQS enhances rescue readiness at Yokota

    Sep 16 2025
    250827-F-KO634-1107
    KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (Aug. 27, 2025) — A U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 31st Rescue Squadron, jumps off a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, above Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 27, 2025. The squadron spent a week conducting a routine free-fall parachute training to stay current on their parachute certifications, ensuring they remain ready for real-world missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)

  • USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Joint Army AH-64E Apache Helicopter Exercise

    Sep 15 2025
    250911-N-TW227-1117
    PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 11, 2025) — Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Ashley Oscar, from Atlanta, left, and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Korie Espenschied, from Beach City, Ohio, both assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) observe a U.S. Army AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter from the 2nd Squadron, 6th Calvary Regiment assigned to the 25th CAB take off from the flight deck of the America during a joint aviation training exercise with the U.S. Army, boosting interoperability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region Sept. 11. America is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth)

  • U.S., Japan forces fly together during Resolute Dragon 25

    Sep 15 2025
    250912-M-AD637-1225
    KAGOSHIMA, Japan (Sept. 12, 2025) — U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing fly in formation during exercise Resolute Dragon 25 off of the coast of Kagoshima, Japan, Sept. 12, 2025. Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeremiah Barksdale)

  • VMM-262 arrives at JMSDF Kanoya Air Base

    Sep 12 2025
    KANOYA AIR BASE
    KANOYA AIR BASE, Japan (Sept. 8, 2025) — A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing guides an MV-22B Osprey after landing at Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base, Kagoshima, Japan, Sept. 8, 2025. The squadron arrived in preparation for Resolute Dragon 25, an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and JSDF personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carlos Paz-Sosa)

  • Team Andersen honors 9/11’s 24th anniversary, remembers the fallen

    Sep 11 2025
    250911-F-TM624-1014.
    ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (Sept. 11, 2025) — A honor guard consisting the Guam Police Department, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters and a 36th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, present the colors during a Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 11, 2025. The ceremony included a moment of silence at 0846 in remembrance of the attacks on the World Trade Center, as well as remarks to honor the resilience and sacrifice first responders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kentavist P. Brackin)

  • Marines with MWSS-172, HMH-462 fly in formation

    Sep 10 2025
    250908-M-VH905-1094
    OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 8, 2025) — U.S. Marine CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters, assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, fly in formation off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 8, 2025. The formation flight was held to demonstrate readiness for the upcoming exercise Resolute Dragon 25. Resolute Dragon 25 is an annual bilateral exercise across Japan, including the Southwest Islands, that strengthens the command, control and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of III MEF and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Western Army personnel, alongside representatives across the U.S. and Japanese Joint Force, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thalia Rivera)

  • USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operations

    Sep 10 2025
    250907-N-TW227-1217
    PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 7, 2025) — A CH-47F Chinook helicopter assigned to the U.S. Army 25th Combat Aviation Brigade takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 7. USS America (LHA 6) is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth)

  • 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division conducts Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft training with USS Ohio (SSGN 726)

    Sep 09 2025
    250903-N-BD484-1054
    PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 3, 2025) — U.S. Marines with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, conduct combat rubber reconnaissance craft training with the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 3, 2025. The exercise is part of ongoing III Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. 7th Fleet efforts to provide flexible, forward-postured and quick-response options to combatant commanders. Ohio is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Elijah Webb)

  • MRF-D 25.3: VMM-363’s MV-22B Ospreys arrive to USS Miguel Keith

    Sep 09 2025
    250829-M-LO454-1755
    PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 29, 2025) — U.S. Marines with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, wait for a fire mission during Resolute Dragon 25 at Hijudai Maneuver Area, Oita Prefecture, Japan, Sept. 13, 2025. Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rodney Frye)

  • III MEF Support Battalion executes live-fire machine gun range

    Sep 08 2025
    250820-M-EJ408-1171
    CAMP HANSEN, Japan (Aug. 20, 2025) — U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion (MSB), III MEF Information Group, fire an M240B machine gun during a live-fire range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 20, 2025. The machine gun range served to maintain III MSB’s proficiency in employing crew-served weapons. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Taggart)

  • Super Garuda Shield 25: U.S., Dutch, Japanese forces conduct close quarter battle drills

    Sep 08 2025
    250827-M-LQ016-1325
    JAKARTA, Indonesia (Aug. 2025) — U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, a Royal Dutch Marine, an Indonesian Marine, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldier run across the street during close quarters battle drills during Super Garuda Shield 25 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 27, 2025. Super Garuda Shield is an annual exercise between the Indonesian National Armed Forces and U.S. Military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, and cooperation. MRF-D is an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and provide a forward postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anita Ramos)

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command gallery

1 - 12 of 948 results
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MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command visits the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority on September 18, 2025. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command visits the Pacific International Inc. dock on September 18, 2025. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command visits the Pacific International Inc. dock on September 18, 2025. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, meets with RMI President Hilda Heine, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko, and National Security Adviser Christopher deBrum, Republic of Marshall Islands on September 18, 2025. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevail ing in conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
TUMON, Guam
Gov. of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero gives the opening remarks at the Guam Defense Forum in Tumon, Guam on September 17, 2025. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
TUMON, Guam
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, gives the keynote address at the Guam defense forum, alongside Gov. of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero in Tumon, Guam on September 17, 2025. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
TUMON, Guam
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, gives the keynote address at the Guam defense forum, alongside Gov. of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero in Tumon, Guam on September 17, 2025. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
TUMON, Guam
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Gov. of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero answer questions at the Guam Defense Forum in Tumon, Guam on September 17, 2025. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
TUMON, Guam
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Gov. of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero answer questions during the Guam Defense Forum in Tumon, Guam on September 17, 2025. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
PORT Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, attends Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary Independence celebration in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on September 16, 2025. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, greets the Marine Corps Embassy Security Guard detachment in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on September 15, 2025. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angel Heraldez)
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea
The groundbreaking ceremony for the landmark fuel storage facility marked a significant step forward in the U.S.-PNG partnership, highlighting the shared benefits of the U.S.-PNG Defense Cooperation Agreement and reaffirming both nations’ joint commitment to regional stability. USINDOPACOM remains steadfastly committed to enhancing stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression, and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict.
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ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey Furnary, 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron director of operations, communicates by radio with C-130 pilots at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 10, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. Seven C-130 aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force delivered 209 bundles weighing a total of more than 71,000 pounds as part of Operation Christmas Drop, an event meant to assist remote island communities in the Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Palau.
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, G
Bundles descend from a Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron, at Murilo island, Federated States of Micronesia, Dec. 6, 2022. JASDF loadmasters from the 401st TAS prepared and trained for the safe delivery of each bundle, with many of the bundles weighing over 300 pounds. The aircraft, call sign Santa 33, delivered 7 bundles to the state of Chuuk, Ruo and Murilo islands, Federated States of Micronesia. OCD is the longest-running Department of Defense humanitarian and disaster relief mission. Each year, the USAF partners with countries in the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility to deliver supplies to remote islands in the South-Eastern Pacific.
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam
(Right to left) Japan Air Self-Defense Force Staff Sgt. Ikkei Ono, and Chief Master Sgt. Tatsuhiro Kurimoto, both the 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron C-130H loadmasters, wave to villagers on the island of Ruo, the state of Chuuk, Micronesia, Dec. 6, 2022, before delivering three humanitarian assistance bundles during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. OCD is the longest-running Department of Defense humanitarian and disaster relief mission. Each year, the USAF partners with countries in the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility to deliver supplies to remote islands in the South-Eastern Pacific.
TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands
(Left to right) U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Benjamin Pall and Airman 1st Class Riley Henagar, both with the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130J loadmasters, conduct a simulated dynamic airdrop delivery over Tinian, Dec. 1, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. Events like OCD 2022 deliver assistance to remote populations while also offering aircrew an opportunity to maintain preparedness for real world emergencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam
U.S. Air Force crew members take a group photo in front of a U.S. Air Force C-130J assigned to Yokota Air Base, Japan, before the last day of flights to drop bundles during Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base, Dec. 10, 2021. OCD is the Department of Defense’s longest-running humanitarian airlift operation, beginning in 1952. Today, airdrop operations include more than 55 islands throughout the Pacific.
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam
Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander, waves after pushing out bundles during the 70th Anniversary of Operation Christmas Drop near Asor, Dec. 5, 2021. OCD is the Department of Defense’s longest-running humanitarian aid and disaster relief training mission and provides relief to more than 55 islands throughout the Pacific. Operations such as OCD provide the U.S. and its partners the opportunity to enhance joint operational capabilities and maintain preparedness for real-world emergencies.
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 734th Air Mobility Squadron, 44th Aerial Port Squadron and the 374th Airlift Wing unload humanitarian supplies from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, deployed from Yokota Air Base, Japan, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in preparation for Operation Christmas Drop, Dec. 1, 2021. Over the course of 10 days, crews will airdrop donated food, supplies, educational materials, and tools to 55 islanders throughout the South-Eastern Pacific, including the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam
Loadmasters with the 36th Airlift Squadron out of Yokota Air Base, Japan, watch as the four Low-Cost, Low-Altitude humanitarian assistance bundles they just airdropped parachute down to those in need during Operation Christmas Drop 2019, at Nomwin, Federated States of Micronesia, Dec. 13, 2019. In its 68th year, OCD is the world’s longest running humanitarian assistance airdrop training mission, providing critical supplies to 55 Micronesian islands, impacting approximately 20,000 people across 1.8 million square nautical miles of operating area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew Gilmore)
YOKOTA Air Base, Japan
Aircraft from the 36th Airlift Squadron, 459th Airlift Squadron and 21st Special Operations Squadron participate in the elephant walk portion of the Samurai Surge training exercise, May 21, 2020, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The Samurai Surge event also served as a training opportunity for aircrews to fine tune their skillsets and better prepare themselves to respond to humanitarian aid and disaster relief scenarios throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam
Villagers on the island of Woleai in the Federated States of Micronesia retrieve one of five Low-Cost, Low-Altitude humanitarian aid bundles airdropped to them as part of Operation Christmas Drop 2019, Dec. 10, 2019. In its 68th year, OCD is the world’s longest running airdrop training mission, providing critical supplies to 55 remote Micronesian islands like Woleai, impacting approximately 20,000 people across 1.8 million square nautical miles of operating area.
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam
Five Low-Cost, Low-Altitude humanitarian aid bundles are airdropped from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules out of Yokota Air Base, Japan, during Operation Christmas Drop 2019, Woleai, Federated States of Micronesia, Dec. 10, 2019. Every December C-130 crews from the U.S.A.F. team up with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and Royal New Zealand Air Force for OCD, a humanitarian aid and disaster relief training exercise designed to airdrop critical supplies to remote islands like Woleai throughout the FSM and the Republic of Palau.
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam
Tech. Sgt. Mario Montoya, 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster out of Yokota Air Base, Japan, collects any remaining debris after dropping a Low-Cost, Low-Altitude practice bundle during a practice drop as part of Operation Christmas Drop 2019 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 5, 2019. OCD serves as a training platform for the U.S. Air Force and its partners to better train for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief through the use of LCLA airdrops on unsurveyed drop zones throughout the Pacific.

 

 

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