The Flying Santa tradition was established in 1929 as a gesture of appreciation to the families and c Our mission remains dedicated to Captain William Wincapaw and Edward Rowe Snow's philosophy that lighthouse keepers and Coast Guard crews were true lifesavers and deserved to be recognized for their efforts. Friends of Flying Santa strives to continue this tradition of appreciation by carrying on the annual Christmas helicopter flights to lighthouses and Coast Guard stations. The helicopter visits and gifts for the children of Coast Guard families are small tokens of appreciation for the outstanding work of the United States Coast Guard crews and their supportive families.