12/23/2025
Orders have been issued to Chief Master Sergeant S. Claus, recalling him from Air National Guard status to active duty, with an RNLTD of 24 Dec 2024. Chief Claus, known to use the alias "Saint Nicholas," "Kris Kringle," or simply "Santa," is an Air Guardsman with "many" years of service.
He specializes as a tactical operator of the next-generation DEC-25D Cargo Airborne Delivery (CAnDY) Carrier. The DEC-25D is fully equipped with Cargo Antlered Navigation Equipment Sensors (CANES) and reports that it's faster than "the twinkle of an eye." As a single-seat cargo delivery platform, it can vertically deliver high-value items and take off and land without pilot-controlled lighting (PCL). These unique specifications, coupled with the additional Public Affairs skill sets held by Chief Claus and his team, classify the entire deployable package as a low-density, high-demand (LD/HD) asset.
Also recalled is a joint service team of other Reservists. Army and Marine Corps Reservists, Warrant Officer 1 Dasher, and Master Sgt. Dancer leads the special response team. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Prancer and Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Vixen and recently promoted Navy Reservist Petty Officers First Class Comet and Cupid provide solid flying and nautical support.
Latest updates on the team: Donner and Blitzen have joined Rudolph at the U.S. Space Force and are on track to be promoted to E-7 soon! As part of this multifaceted team, they ensure all reindeer arrive on time (especially Rudolph) and that weather reports are up to date.
While known for being right on time for deployments (which to many in the military means one is late), U.S. Space Force Specialist 4 Rudolph has again been selected for Chief Claus' team for his ability to use his red nose to light the way during various weather events the joint team may encounter while on the mission.
Travel authorization is coded ADPLAMITREVAR. (Add places, Omit. Revisit and Vary Itinerary) As a special operations unit, each member is granted high uniform flexibility and relaxed grooming standards (especially Chief Claus). Per diem has been modified to include large quantities of hot cocoa, cookies, hay, oats, and carrots. Government travel card use has been authorized.
Rumors still abound that Santa may finally achieve the rank of Warrant Officer, but this is contingent on whether the public affairs career field is ever included in warrant officer-eligible career fields. We're rooting for you, Santa!
You can track Santa's journey around the globe courtesy of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command)!
Find out how here! https://www.noradsanta.org/en/
