Santa at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. 2011

Santa Claus delivers a present to a happy little girl Dec. 10, 2011 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Even though Christmas is right around the corner, Santa took time out of his busy schedule to spread lots of Joy to friends and families of the 315th Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis)

Santa at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. 2011

Santa Claus delivers a present to one happy little boy Dec. 10, 2011 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Santa set up his workshop in the cargo compartment of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft which is well known for delivering valuable cargo around the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis)

Santa at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. 2011

Santa Claus delivers a present to his adorable new friend Dec. 10, 2011 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.; however, this pretty little girl is still trying to figure out what this Santa stuff is all about. While visiting Charleston, Santa spent time with friends and families of the 315th Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis)

Santa lands, visits children at JB CHS

Published Dec. 11, 2011
By Senior Airman Bobby Pilch
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Santa Clause arrived at Joint Base Charleston Saturday afternoon to check on who has been naughty or nice and hand out some early presents to a few good girls and boys.

This visit, one of many on Santa's list, did not include Rudolph and the other eight reindeer, but featured Santa arriving aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

"The C-17 is one of the finest airlifters in the world", said Santa. "However, I think my reindeer could pull it and give it some more firepower."

When asked if the C-17 could haul more presents compared to his sleigh, Santa said that his sleigh definitely carries more.

Joining Santa on this trip was Senior Airman Leah S. White, assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron here. This was Airman White's first mission helping Santa deliver presents and checking his list.

"He is easy to work with and still enjoys his milk and cookies," said Airman White as she sorted the presents around Santa's chair in the cargo bay. "He is a very rocky flier with the C-17, though."

Loading Santa's presents on the aircraft is no easy task and takes a specialized individual to coordinate the process that starts at the North Pole.

Senior Airman Cody S. Rogers, a loadmaster assigned to the 701 AS here, was on-hand to assist Santa with this task and recently returned from the North Pole after extensive training.

"It is a year-round job and not many people are privileged to work with Santa," said Airman Rogers. "Just like the military, we have to protect his secrets."

As Santa passed out the last present, signed a few autographs, checked and double-checked his list, he provided a message for all the parents and children he has yet to visit.

"Santa always knows whether you're naughty or nice and if your parents are naughty or nice. So boys and girls, make sure you do your chores, clean up after yourselves and most importantly, do your homework because Santa is watching you!"

Starting at midnight MST on Dec. 24, website visitors can watch Santa as he makes all the preparations for his flight. Then, at 4 a.m. MST, trackers worldwide can talk to a live phone operator to inquire about Santa's whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@gmail.com. NORAD's "Santa Cams" will also stream videos as Santa makes his way over various locations worldwide