PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Southern Maryland residents should keep their eyes on the sky as Santa Claus, known by his festive call sign “Claus,” takes to the air on Dec. 10 for a special mission. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Claus will fly aboard a U.S. Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter, accompanied by his team of elves and aviation experts from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s (NAWCAD) Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21.
This annual tradition helps Santa finalize plans for his Christmas Eve deliveries, combining holiday cheer with strategic mission planning.
Flight Schedule and Locations
Residents hoping to catch a glimpse of Claus and his holiday helpers can expect the Knighthawk to make appearances over the following locations:
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
- NAS Patuxent River Beach House
- Driftwood Beach
- Patuxent Appeal Elementary School
- Dowell Elementary School
- Solomons Island Pier
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Hollywood Elementary School
- Saint John’s Catholic School
- Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School
- Leonardtown Elementary School
- Leonardtown Wharf
“Delivering joy to children across the globe requires precision and teamwork,” Claus remarked during a pre-flight meeting with the HX-21 aircrew. “Thanks to the talented aviators at NAWCAD, preparing for the big night becomes a mission we can all share.”
12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
- Leonardtown Middle School
- Evergreen Elementary School
- Town Creek Elementary School
- Green Holly Elementary School
- Greenview Knolls Elementary School
- Lexington Park Elementary School
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.
- George Washington Carver Elementary School
- Chesapeake Charter Public School
- Little Flower School
- Bay Montessori School
- Park Hall Elementary School
- Spring Ridge Middle School
- NAS Patuxent River Child Development Center
Parents and students are encouraged to look skyward during the designated times to catch Santa’s flyover, a unique holiday event that brings smiles across the region.
Holiday Weather Precautions
In case of poor weather, Santa’s flight could be rescheduled to Dec. 11 or Dec. 12, during the same hours. Updates will be provided on the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s Facebook page.
Santa and HX-21’s Unique Partnership
Nicknamed the “Blackjacks,” HX-21 specializes in the testing and development of rotary and tilt-rotor aircraft for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The squadron has called Naval Air Station Patuxent River home since 1949 and has been a key partner in ensuring Santa’s success each holiday season. Claus, a regular visitor to the Blackjacks, considers them an essential part of his mission team.
This collaboration brings together the holiday spirit and the technical expertise of Southern Maryland’s aviation community, making the season even more special for children and families in the area.
