PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — For 69 years, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has tracked Santa Claus as he travels around the world to deliver toys.

This tradition began as a happy accident when a child accidentally called NORAD’s predecessor and asked to speak to Santa Claus. The officer on duty, Colonel Harry Shoup, used the tracking devices available at the time to tell the child where Santa Claus was.

In addition to using ground, air and space-based sensors, NORAD can also direct fighter aircraft to take off to fly alongside Santa, such as the F-15 Eagles based at the Portland Air National Guard Base.

“One of the best ways to get up next to the funny guy and get a nice little ho, ho, ho,” Lt. Col. Bradley “Mac” Young says of flying next to Santa.

“It has an AESA radar that we can use to try to locate the sleigh and his eight magical reindeer,” Young says of the F-15’s ability to track Santa Claus.

“Through the giant bubble canopy we can see Rudolph’s bright red nose and get up close to make sure Santa is on track to deliver all the presents to all the girls and boys across the country. “Historically, in 69 years, we have never seen Santa need our help, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t there to give him a word of encouragement or just watch the magic up close,” he says.

Young is an F-15C instructor pilot with the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing. He says all of the Airmen are proud to be able to take part in this annual tradition.

“To have the opportunity to do something so magical and impactful. It’s something that every child will wake up on Christmas morning and they’ll have a surprise under their tree and for us – we will. “Being able to play a very small part in that makes a big impact for us and something we are very proud of and grateful to have the opportunity to do.”

You can check Santa’s location on the NORAD Tracks Santa website here www.noradsanta.org/en/

You can also call NORAD directly to get a report on when Santa Claus is expected to be near your home. +1 (877) HI-NORAD.