March 21 USCENTCOM Conducts Humanitarian Airdrops into Gaza
U.S. Air Force Airmen and U.S. Army Central Command Soldiers prepare humanitarian aid for airdrop aboard a U.A. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 21st, 2024. Joint Base Charleston deployed C-17s to further enhance airdrop efforts to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza. In the Coalition’s effort to support civilians suffering from the hardships of continued conflict in Gaza, the U.S. delivered aid via airdrop to ensure expedited delivery and access to critical aid. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Christian Sullivan)
March 21 USCENTCOM Conducts Humanitarian Airdrops into Gaza
U.S. Air Force Airmen and U.S. Army Central Command Soldiers prepare humanitarian aid for airdrop aboard a U.A. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 21st, 2024. Joint Base Charleston deployed C-17s to further enhance airdrop efforts to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza. In the Coalition’s effort to support civilians suffering from the hardships of continued conflict in Gaza, the U.S. delivered aid via airdrop to ensure expedited delivery and access to critical aid. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Christian Sullivan)
March 21 USCENTCOM Conducts Humanitarian Airdrops into Gaza
U.S. Air Force Airmen and U.S. Army Central Command Soldiers prepare humanitarian aid for airdrop aboard a U.A. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 21st, 2024. Joint Base Charleston deployed C-17s to further enhance airdrop efforts to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza. In the Coalition’s effort to support civilians suffering from the hardships of continued conflict in Gaza, the U.S. delivered aid via airdrop to ensure expedited delivery and access to critical aid. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Christian Sullivan)
March 21 USCENTCOM Conducts Humanitarian Airdrops into Gaza
U.S. Air Force Airmen and U.S. Army Central Command Soldiers prepare humanitarian aid for airdrop aboard a U.A. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 21st, 2024. Joint Base Charleston deployed C-17s to further enhance airdrop efforts to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza. In the Coalition’s effort to support civilians suffering from the hardships of continued conflict in Gaza, the U.S. delivered aid via airdrop to ensure expedited delivery and access to critical aid. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Christian Sullivan)
/ Published March 21, 2024
March 21, 2024
Release Number 20240321 - 01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command conducted an air drop of humanitarian assistance into Northern Gaza on March 21, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.
The joint operation included two C-17 U.S. Air Force aircraft, and U.S. Army Soldiers specialized in aerial delivery of U.S humanitarian assistance supplies. U.S. C-17s dropped over 50,600 U.S. meal equivalents into Northern Gaza, an area of great need, allowing for civilian access to the critical aid.
During today's mission, of the 80 bundles delivered, the parachutes on five aid bundles did not deploy after they were released from the aircraft. These five bundles landed in a non-populated area and caused no damage. U.S. Central Command continues to monitor the situation.
The DoD humanitarian airdrops contribute to ongoing U.S. and partner-nation government efforts to alleviate human suffering. These airdrops are part of a sustained effort, and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries.
