Here comes Santa Claus — in an MH-60S Knighthawk: St. Nick to swap his sleigh for a Navy helicopter on Saturday

Caitlyn Burchett, The Virginian-Pilot
Updated ·1 min read

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.

Caitlyn Burchett, caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com