USCENTCOM, Royal Jordanian Air Force conduct combined humanitarian aid airdrops into Gaza

Published March 2, 2024
U.S. Central Command Public Affairs

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, Southwest Asia (AFNS) -- U.S. Central Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Gaza on March 2, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Gaza time), to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

The combined operation included U.S. Air Force and RJAF C-130 aircraft and respective U.S. Army Soldiers specialized in aerial delivery of supplies. Soldiers ensured the safe drop of food aid and built bundles. U.S. C-130s dropped over 38,000 meals along the coastline of Gaza allowing for civilian access to the critical aid.

The Department of Defense humanitarian airdrops contributes to ongoing U.S. government efforts to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza. The DoD is conducting planning for potential follow-on airborne aid delivery missions.

These airdrops are part of a sustained effort to get more aid into Gaza, including by expanding the flow of aid through land corridors and routes.

Humanitarian aid pallets rigged with parachutes for airdrop aboard a C-130J Super Hercules are prepared for takeoff . — Humanitarian aid pallets rigged with parachutes for airdrop aboard a C-130J Super Hercules are prepared for takeoff at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, March 1, 2024. The humanitarian assistance included 38,000 Meals Ready to Eat and water to alleviate suffering of civilians in Gaza. U.S. Army Central quartermaster company Soldiers specializing in rigging supplies for airdrops, ensured parachutes were prepared properly so the palletized food and water supplies could be dropped safely from the air. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Humanitarian aid pallets rigged with parachutes for airdrop aboard a C-130J are loaded for takeoff at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. — Humanitarian aid pallets rigged with parachutes for airdrop aboard a C-130J Super Hercules are loaded and prepared for takeoff at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, March 1, 2024. The humanitarian assistance included over 38,000 Meals Ready to Eat and water to alleviate suffering of civilians in Gaza. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo)

A C-130J Super Hercules loaded with humanitarian aid bound for airdrop over Gaza takes off from an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, March 2. — A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules loaded with humanitarian aid bound for airdrop over Gaza takes off from an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, March 2, 2024. U.S. Central Command regularly supports U.S. government interagency partners by delivering humanitarian aid throughout the region. The U.S. Air Force’s rapid global mobility capability enables the expedited movement of critical, life-saving supplies to Gaza. (U.S. Air Force photo)

A Soldier pushes a pallet of humanitarian aid onto a cargo aircraft at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. — A U.S. Army Soldier pushes a pallet of humanitarian aid onto a cargo aircraft at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 1, 2024. The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army worked together to deliver over 66 pallets of humanitarian aid. A U.S. Army quartermaster company rigged the pallets with parachutes to ensure the safe deployment of pallets from the rear of the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo)

Service members secure humanitarian aid onto a cargo aircraft at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. — U.S. service members secure humanitarian aid onto a cargo aircraft at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 1, 2024. The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army worked together to deliver 66 pallets of humanitarian aid. The U.S. Air Force rapid global mobility capability enabled the expedited movement of critical, life-saving supplies to Gaza. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo)

A Soldier secures straps on humanitarian aid pallets at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. — A U.S. Army Soldier secures straps on humanitarian aid pallets at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, March 1, 2024. The 66 pallets, destined for airdrop in Gaza aboard a C-130J Super Hercules, included 38,000 Meals Ready to Eat and water to alleviate suffering of civilians. U.S. Army Central quartermaster company Soldiers specialize in rigging supplies for airdrops ensured the pallets were ready for the mission. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo)