In a groundbreaking military operation, a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster successfully executed a daring airdrop on a submerged nuclear submarine in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, marking a pivotal moment in submarine logistics. At precisely 9:40 a.m. on October 22, 2020, the aircraft, flying at 500 feet, targeted the USS Henry M. Jackson, a 560-foot behemoth silently drifting miles from its last known position. This high-stakes mission, three years in the making, hinged on a single 50-pound package that could redefine resupply methods for ballistic missile submarines.

The C-17, laden with experimental cargo, departed Hickham Air Force Base in Hawaii, embarking on a complex journey to locate the submarine, which had been submerged and radio silent for hours. With no GPS beacon on the cargo and the submarine’s unpredictable drift, the search became a game of pinpoint accuracy against an endless blue backdrop. After a tense morning filled with uncertainty, the crew finally received updated coordinates, revealing the sub had drifted 4.2 nautical miles from its intended position.

As the C-17 approached, the radar operator detected the submarine, a fleeting ghost beneath the waves. The challenge intensified as the aircraft descended into turbulent air, requiring precision flying at a speed of 120 knots. With the submarine moving stealthily below and a rigid hull inflatable boat standing by for recovery, every second counted. The pilots fought against the aircraft’s unpredictable behavior, while the loadmaster prepared for a drop that could either prove revolutionary or disastrous.

At the critical moment, with the submarine in sight, the loadmaster executed the drop. The package tumbled through the air, deploying a flotation collar upon impact with the water. The RIIB crew swiftly maneuvered to recover the cargo, successfully securing it onboard. This unprecedented operation not only demonstrated a new capability for resupplying submarines in remote locations but also solidified the stealth and resilience of America’s nuclear deterrent force. The implications of this mission are monumental, potentially transforming how the U.S. Navy operates its ballistic missile submarines in the future.