Santa waves after landing at Naval Station Norfolk after a flight on a MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter flown by Navy pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2, also known as the “Fleet Angels,” on Dec. 9, 2017. (Facebook)
(Tribune News Service) — When Hampton Roads residents look to the sky Saturday morning, they might spot Santa Claus. But he won’t be in a big sleigh pulled by Prancer and Dancer.
Instead, Santa will be in an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter training with the Navy as he prepares for Christmas.
After departing from Naval Station Norfolk, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 will fly Santa around Hampton Roads from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.
The “Fleet Angels” squadron will help Santa practice his holiday drops — and spread a little cheer — during the two-hour flight. This is the third year the Fleet Angels have helped Santa prepare for Christmas.
“It is always a great day when Santa is able to fly with our pilots and aircrew during a scheduled training flight,” said Cmdr. Santico “Tico” Valenzuela, the squadron’s commanding officer.
The festive fly-by can be spotted at the following locations:
Norfolk Naval Base: 10 a.m.
Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News: 10:05 a.m.
Riverpointe Shopping Center in Hampton: 10:15 a.m.
Town Point Park in Norfolk: 10:25 a.m.
Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach: 10:35 a.m.
Cox High School in Virginia Beach: 10:45 a.m.
Lesnar Bridge in Virginia Beach: 10:55 a.m.
Fort Story in Virginia Beach: 11:05 a.m.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront: 11:15 a.m.
Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake: 11:30 a.m.
Columbia Park in Portsmouth: 11:40 a.m.
Suffolk Walmart Supercenter at 1200 Main Street: 11:50 a.m.
Santa will be played by a Navy service member assigned to the squadron. He will be joined by another service member dressed as an elf.
A map of Santa’s flight schedule. The Santa flight will be taking place on Dec. 3, 2022. (Facebook)
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