Operation Santa Claus
Operation Santa Claus began in 1956 in response to a request from St. Mary’s Mission for toys for their children. Spring floods and a drought had caused a severely negative impact on fishing and hunting that year and the mission spent all of their money to pay for food to be shipped in. This left no money to buy gifts for the children for Christmas. However, upon the mission’s request for assistance, gifts were donated, and the Alaska Air National Guard transported the goods to St.... read more
Operation Santa Claus began in 1956 in response to a request from St. Mary’s Mission for toys for their children. Spring floods and a drought had caused a severely negative impact on fishing and hunting that year and the mission spent all of their money to pay for food to be shipped in. This left no money to buy gifts for the children for Christmas. However, upon the mission’s request for assistance, gifts were donated, and the Alaska Air National Guard transported the goods to St. Mary’s, spreading joy and good tidings to the small, remote community in the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge in Western Alaska.
The Alaska National Guard’s Operation Santa Claus began with the Air Guard’s 144th Airlift Squadron flying a C-123J Provider to St. Mary’s in 1956. Since then, Air Guard C-130s, Army Guard C-23 Sherpa, UH-60 Black Hawk, and other aircraft have transported Santa and Mrs. Claus, elves, gifts, food, books, school supplies, fruit and ice cream to tens of thousands of children throughout rural Alaska. The event is important because it began due to the impact that natural disaster had on the area and continued as a way to reach rural Alaska for building community relationships, serving those in remote areas, and providing joy and comfort to Alaskans during the holiday season. Engaging Alaskan communities is a priority for the Alaska National Guard, and Operation Santa Claus helps us to do that while providing good tidings and joy during the holiday season. Additionally, many Alaskans in rural communities may go most of their lives without any personal interaction with service members in the U.S. military, and Op Santa allow Soldiers and Airmen to show they care in a personal and tangible way. show less
