The major response by the U.S. to the Soviet blockade of Berlin in 1948 was the Berlin Airlift. In June 1948, the Soviet Union blocked all ground routes into West Berlin in an attempt to exert control over the entire city. In response, the United States, along with its Western allies, initiated a massive airlift operation to supply West Berlin with essential goods, including food and fuel. Over the course of nearly a year, planes flew thousands of missions, delivering supplies to keep the city’s residents alive and from falling under Soviet influence. The operation was a significant success and demonstrated Western commitment to defending free access to West Berlin.