Pentagon says Santa will travel ‘safely and securely’ this Christmas

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said the Department of Defense will ensure that Santa Claus travels safely this holiday season.

Ryder was responding to a question from reporter Jeff Schogol, about Santa’s “assets and personnel” involved in his escort Dec. 24 and 25.

“Unfortunately, that’s controlled, unclassified information but I can assure you that we will ensure Santa gets wherever he needs to go, safely and securely,” Ryder said at a Thursday press conference, prompting laughs from reporters.

Ryder said the department’s teammates at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) “will have much more information” on Santa’s trip.

The NORAD Santa Tracker is an online webpage that simulates tracking Santa as he makes stops around the world to deliver presents on Christmas Eve.

“I’m sure he’ll be on time and in place for Christmas,” Ryder said.