Another mission accomplished for NORAD crews at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay.
This is the 65th year that NORAD has taken part in a vital annual mission. Tracking Santa Claus when he comes into Canadian airspace on Christmas eve.
"Everything went great," noted aviator Stephane Jacques, surveillance operator, 21 Aerospace Control & Warning Squadron, 22 Wing/CFB North Bay
"We were able to escort Santa safely through Canadian airspace. He visited all the homes of children that believed in him and that is mission accomplished for us. He was escorted safely and he made it to the US where their fighter escorts took over."
It was the first time for Jacques taking part in this special Christmas eve mission. It meant a lot as he recalls writing letters to Santa as a child.
"It was really cool, I got to see everywhere he goes," he said with a smile.
"He is so very quick and pops up here and there. It was a very cool experience. I did not really know what to expect but it is something I will remember for the rest of my life.
This year, members of 21 AC&W Squadron’s Voodoo Flight located and tracked Santa using radars, satellites and infrared sensors. Once he was located, Santa was escorted by RCAF CF-18 aircraft from both 3 Wing Bagotville, Que. and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta
"We are always honoured to escort Santa Claus and we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday," added Jacques.