Operation Santa Claus

Department of Defense | Nov. 25, 2022

By Press Operations

Operation Santa Claus is the Alaska National Guard's yearly community relations and support program that provides gifts to children in remote communities across the state. In partnership with the Salvation Army, the program delivered 1,780 pounds of gifts, backpacks, hygiene supplies and books to 325 children in Scammon Bay, Alaska.

Soldiers in uniform unload boxes from an aircraft.
Volunteers with the Alaska National Guard, Salvation Army and local community partners, unload gifts bound for Scammon Bay from a 176th Wing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft as part of Operation Santa Claus at the Bethel-Davis Regional Airport flight line in Bethel, Nov. 16, 2022.
Santa Claus looks on from inside a military aircraft.
The 144th Airlift Squadron’s favorite passenger, Santa Claus, gazes out the window of a 176th Wing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on his way to deliver tidings of good cheer to the children of Scammon Bay, Alaska, during Operation Santa Claus Nov. 16, 2022.
Soldier in uniform is seen carrying boxes away from a helicopter.
Alaska Army National Guard Capt. Cade Cross, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot, helps transfer boxes filled with gifts, backpacks, hygiene supplies, and books for children in Scammon Bay, Alaska during Operation Santa Claus Nov. 16, 2022.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus are seen smiling as he holds a baby.
A baby rests on Santa’s lap as Mrs. Claus holds in the infant's hand during Operation Santa Claus in Scammon Bay, Nov. 16, 2022.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus are seated, smiling and holding a baby.
An infant sits on Santa’s lap as Mrs. Claus smiles during Operation Santa Claus in Scammon Bay, Nov. 16, 2022.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are face a group of children as soldiers stand onstage behind the couple.
Santa and Mrs. Claus share holiday cheer with children at the local school during Operation Santa Claus in Scammon Bay, Alaska, Nov. 16, 2022.
Soldier prepares to fist bump with child.
Alaska Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Eddie Jones shares holiday cheer with local children during Operation Santa Claus in Scammon Bay, Nov. 16, 2022.