The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will follow Santa’s travels for the 65th consecutive year.
22 Wing North Bay has been at the heart of this mission since 1983.
Members of the Voodoo Squadron from the 21st Control and Warning Squadron will be tasked with locating Santa and following his trail on December 24.
Once located, Santa will be escorted by CF-18 fighters from 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta., During his gift distribution tour.
We are really happy and we wait for the night of December 24says Aviator Diana Perry, 22 Wing North Bay Aerial Surveillance Operator.
Our NORAD radars let us know exactly when Santa Claus leaves the North Pole. Our satellites are also equipped with infrared sensors to detect the heat of Rudolph’s famous red nose. And we have cameras to take videos of Santa and his reindeer on his trip around the world., she adds.
Staff Sergeant Thomas Truong is also training to follow Santa Claus in Canadian airspace.
We look forward to starting our mission on December 24 and working with the CF-18 crews to provide Santa with a safe flight in Canadian airspace.said Aviator Stéphane Jacques, also from 22 Wing in North Bay.
Children and adults alike can follow Santa’s journey on the NORAD website (New window), starting December 24.
The site is already online. It features Santa’s Village at the North Pole and includes a countdown timer, holiday games and activities, as well as information on the NORAD defense mission.
A mobile application is also available. On December 24, people will also be able to call the hotline, 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to hear a recording showing the location of Santa Claus.
NORAD has been following Santa’s trail since December 24, 1955. That day, due to a printing error in a newspaper ad, children in Colorado Springs first called the Operations Center. to talk to Santa Claus.
Since then, NORAD has organized this annual program recognized around the world.
