Personnel from CFB Bagotville have been entrusted with one of the most important missions of the year: they will escort Santa Claus while he travels around Canada delivering gifts.

A team of three are involved in the mission: pilot Capt. Denis Beaulieu and technicians Cpl. Marc-André David and Cpl. Daniel Boucher.

They've been preparing for the journey for several days.

“It’s pretty stressful, but at the same time, it’s going to be fun,” said Beaulieu. “His annual trip is the highlight of the year for many young Canadians, so it’s important that he’s safe and well-looked after tonight.”

On top of ensuring safety, staff from the base must make sure no children are forgotten.

“I have to make sure the radar works, make sure all the communication equipment works … that’s what I’ll be doing on Dec. 24,” said David.

Technicians also took extra precautions to make sure the night goes smoothly.

“We’ve equipped the aircraft with a fuel tank for a much longer flight,” said Boucher.

Two CF-18s from CFB Bagotville will escort the sleigh.