FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tara Winter, Communications Director
tara@operationairdrop.org | www.operationairdrop.org
Operation Airdrop Staging for Potential Relief Missions Ahead of Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on Jamaica
October 27, 2025 – Lewisville, TX — As Hurricane Melissa moves toward Jamaica, Operation Airdrop has begun staging aircraft, crews, and logistics in preparation for potential disaster relief operations. While the storm has not yet made landfall, early forecasts suggest heavy rainfall, flooding, and infrastructure damage across parts of the island. Operation Airdrop’s team is taking proactive steps to ensure that, if called upon, critical aid flights can launch immediately once it is safe to do so.
“Our mission has always been about readiness and speed,” said Russ Keith, Executive Director of Operation Airdrop. “By staging now, we’re ensuring that the moment Jamaica needs us, we’re already positioned to help.”
Operation Airdrop continues its ongoing support operations in Alaska, where crews are coordinating lifesaving supply transport for flood-affected communities. Despite multiple active missions, volunteers and pilots remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering aid wherever it’s needed most.
To help offset the cost of staging, we have launched a “Donate for Melissa Response” campaign. Contributions will directly fund logistics, aircraft support, and emergency supplies for Jamaica after the storm make landfall. Donations can be made at: www.operationairdrop.org
“Every dollar donated helps us get supplies in the air faster when people are in crisis,” added Keith. “We’ve learned from every response that being ready before disaster strikes saves time, lives, and hope.”
About Operation Airdrop Founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Operation Airdrop is a volunteer-powered aviation nonprofit that delivers emergency supplies into disaster zones across North America and the Caribbean. With a nationwide network of general aviation pilots, partners, and ground volunteers, Operation Airdrop has flown thousands of missions providing millions of pounds of relief to communities in need.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact: 
tara@operationairdrop.org
