[1] Operation USA was part of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines in 1997 when it won the Nobel Peace Prize.

[7] In 2014, Operation USA's CEO Richard M. Walden received the Honeywell Hometown Hero Award from the Honeywell Corp. Operation California began in 1979 as "a relief organization created to provide aid to Vietnamese boat people and Cambodian refugees",[8] co-founded by Richard Walden (still active as President & CEO) and Llewellyn Werner (who left in early 1980).

[32][better source needed] In 2015, OpUSA partnered with UniversalGiving and United Airlines to raise funds for its Nepal Earthquake recovery project, rebuilding a school in Fyakse, in the Dhading district.

In 2018, OpUSA delivered cash grants and supplies to aid communities impacted by Hurricanes Florence and Michael in the eastern US.

In 2020, OpUSA began responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States by delivering cash and supplies to partners aiding front-line workers.

[33][better source needed] Operation USA, since the early 1980s, has relied on fundraising efforts featuring singers and celebrities.

[citation needed] George Hamilton assisted with relief to The Philippines Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 as did Barbra Streisand, Rosario Dawson, Jackson Browne, Bill Maher and Judd Apatow.