AWACS' special mission: Track Santa Published Dec. 21, 2007 By Senior Airman Lorraine Amaro 552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFPN) -- Airmen from the 552nd Air Control Wing here will once again track the man in red and keep a watchful eye as he and his reindeer fly through the night to deliver presents to children all over the United States. Just before midnight on Christmas Eve, an E-3 Sentry and crew will leave Tinker Air Force Base on one of its most important missions of the year, Operation Just Claus. The North American Aerospace Defense Command Track Santa Program requested AWACS support for the operation. "We're optimizing our radar to better track Santa through the clouds, icing and inclement weather," said Capt. John Zanfardino, an air surveillance officer with the 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron. "Anytime we can help Santa do his job, we'll gladly do it. I feel that it's the least we can do for all he's done for us throughout the years." This year Santa will make his arrival from Canada, where the sky will be watched closely by Canadian air traffic control. Once he crosses the border AWACS crew members will identify him as "friendly" aircraft so he can start his continental U.S. trek. Beginning in New England, Santa One will follow a north and south flight plan gradually working his way west toward California. His last two stops are Alaska, where Alaskan AWACS will take control, and finally Hawaii before heading to other countries all around the world. Mission crews spent most of today preparing for this important mission. This year the AWACS use the most advanced technology, including an infrared scanner set to track Rudolph's nose in case of inclement weather. The main concern is the big guy's safety as large birds have been known to be a threat to timely delivery. "It is a very important job to watch over Santa as he delivers presents to all the families across America and one that we do not take lightly," said Capt. James Ord, the pilot manning the mission. "One of the air weapons officers in the back thought it would be fun to declare Santa 'hostile' one year, he learned his lesson though, since all he got for Christmas was a lump of coal!" The mission is expected to last just over six hours and will include an aerial refueling over the upper Midwest while providing "top-cover" the entire way. Crewmembers are scheduled to be home just in time to see what thoughtful gifts Santa left for them. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page