Yet Another Frequency Change at MCAS Beaufort

In addition to previously noted changes at MCAS Beaufort, I've heard yet another one over the last few days. VMFA(AW)-224 Base seems to have changed from 305.800 to 344.200.

344.200 used to be the Base frequency for VMFA(AW)-332. When VMFA(AW)-332 when into Cadre status, I left their frequencies programmed in just for something like this. You never know when a frequency might come back into use.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

147.330 Repeater Relocation

The 147.330 (100 hz tone) has been relocated. It is now on the tower behind the WSAV TV studio on Victory Drive. This should be an outstanding location for the repeater, enabling handheld use throughout the city.

While doing some scanning this morning, I noticed some RF mixing on 164.400 that included output audio from the 147.330. Whenever the 147.330 was up, I could hear it's audio on 164.400 as well as audio from another unidentified RF source. The radio I was noting this on was the Uniden BC796, I didn't get the chance to see if I was hearing the same result on the Pro-2005. This morning also saw good VHF conditions, so I'll be interested to see if it was more a product of the morning's band conditions or the repeater move.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

SCMPD Precinct Realignment

SCMPD has realigned their precincts effective today. The most noticeable change is the elimination of Precinct 6 (Skidaway), which has been absorbed into Precinct 5 (Islands). Additionally, some precinct boundaries have been moved.

From the SCMPD news release:

• All neighborhood boundaries are honored with no neighborhood split between precincts
• New boundaries take into consideration geographic and traffic limitations
• Deployment of officers will more closely match the workload
• Liberty City area goes from Central Precinct to West Chatham Precinct
• West Savannah shifts from West Chatham precinct to Downtown Precinct (where it previously existed before the merger)
• Skidaway and Islands Precincts are merged
• The West Chatham Precinct will eventually be relocated to a more appropriate location, most likely in theh Ogeechee Road corridor

The news release, along with links to Precinct Maps can be found on the SCMPD website.

What does this mean for the radio hobbyist? Probably not much. I would guess that the radio channels will remain the same, because the two precincts that were merged were already using the same radio channel.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Note: All of the above is from open source material available in the public domain. Information on the precincts was obtained from the SCMPD website and background on the radio channels is available at the Radioreference website.

442.700 Repeater Update

Last night, while on the way home from work, I was able to carry on a QSO with Guy, K4GTM and Jerry, W4SGA using the 442.700 repeater. For most of the trip, which was from Rincon to Savannah, I was receiving the repeater at 3/4 to full scale on the S-meter.

Given that the current antenna situation is a compromise (they're using a 2-meter antenna, but no reflected power problems) that wasn't bad at all. Once they get a 70cm antenna up on the tower, the coverage should improve considerably.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Military Monitoring Recap; 01-15 September 2008

Noteable for the begining of September:

1) Return of 2-3 and 4-3 AVN aircraft to Hunter AAF
2) Changes to MCAS Beaufort air traffic control frequencies

Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
134.100 - Port Control
51.500 - 4-3 AVN air-to-air
77.725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops

ARMY 26555 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26556 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26558 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26587 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26594 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
HOOKER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24415 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24427 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24487 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24636 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24637 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26438 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26444 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26456 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26501 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26510 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26512 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26513 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26525 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26528 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26542 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26543 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26546 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26585 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26631 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26633 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26795 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26880 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27039 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27041 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27064 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27066 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 57007 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 57009 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 57012 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 75502 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 75504 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN
ARMY 75507 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 75516 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 03748 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03749 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03751 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03754 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26286 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26410 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26413 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26417 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26490 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
TESTHOOK ## (CH-47, OLR)
COAST GUARD 6548 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6560 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6581 (HH-65C, Savannah)
JOSA 214 (C-21)
KING 15 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
NAVY LL 54 (P-3C, VP-30)
PEACH 35 (E-8C, 330th CTS)


Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
380.025 - Approach/Departure
244.875 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
387.100 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165 AW CP
123.575 - Gulfstream Test Ops

DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
NOAA 49 (G-IV)


Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
271.100 - Range Control
51.050 - Helicopter Common


MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
305.800 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
250.300 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 1
258.900 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
301.950 - VMFA-312 Tac 1
320.300 - VMFA-312 Tac 2
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2

BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18, VMFA-312)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
FOX 515 (UC-12, Beaufort)
FOX 307


Charelston AFB
349.400 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
372.200 - PTD
344.600 - PMSV
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT

GRITS ## (C-17, 437th AW/315th AW)
LIFTR ## (C-17, 437th AW/315th AW)
NICO 11


Shaw AFB
381.300 - Shaw AFB CP
252.100 - Shaw SOF
140.200 - Shaw SOF
342.500 - Shaw PMSV
311.200 - 55th FS "SHOOTER OPS"
139.900 - 55th FS air-to-air
139.975 - 55th FS air-to-air
141.900 - 55th FS air-to-air
141.650 - 55th FS air-to-air
142.400 - 55th FS air-to-air
320.525 - 55th FS air-to-air
138.200 - 79th FS air-to-air
139.925 - 79th FS air-to-air
139.700 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.550 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.700 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.775 - 79th FS air-to-air

BRAG ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
BULLET ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
CUSTER ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
DICE ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
HAMMER ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
HYDRA ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
MOJO ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
NAIL ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
RAZOR ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
SHOOTER ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
STING (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
BEAST ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
BRONCO ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
DEADLY ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
GUNDOG ##(F-16CJ, 79th FS)
HELLCAT ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
JAGGER ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
POUNCE ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
PROWL ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
SCAR ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
SLASH ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
SNEAKY ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
TIGER ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)


McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
141.925 - 169th FW V17
138.025 - 169th FS air-to-air

MACE ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
HEAT ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)


Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTRE OPS"
228.050 - JSTARS Discrete
276,075 - JSTARS Discrete
328.025 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
376.125 - JSTARS Discrete
388.225 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete

PEACH 34 (E-8C, 330th CTS Front End)
PEACH 88 (E-8C, 128th ACCS Front End)
ALLEYCAT (E-8C, 128th ACCS)
STARGATE (E-8C, 330th CTS Back End)


Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
264.700 - Poinsett Range Control
254.350 - Gamecock C MOA
350.300 - Gamecock C MOA
354.300 - BEEFEATER ECM Range


SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete


DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete


Miscellaneous
ADVANCE (JTAC)
BANDSAW (E-3, 964th ACCS back end)
BOLT ## (KC-135, 6th ARW)
CHALICE (E-3, 963rd ACCS back end)
CLAW (A_10, 23rd Wing)
DIXIE 11 (KC-135, 117 ARW)
DRAGNET (E-3, 966th ACCS back end)
GRUMMAN 84
HUNTRESS (NORAD EADS)
MAULER 06 (S-3B, VS-32)
NAVY LA 052 (P-3C, VP-5)
NAVY LL 80 (P-3C, VP-30)
NAVY LN 451 (P-3C, VP-45)
NAVY LN 452 (P-3C, VP-45)
PECLICAN 03 (P-3C, VP-45)
SCOUT 11 (E-3, front end)
SENTRY 30 (E-3, 963rd ACCS front end)
SENTRY 41 (E-3, 964th ACCS front end)
SENTRY 61 (E-3, 966th ACCS front end)
SODA 91 (KC-135, 151 ARW)
STRIKER (JTAC)
THUMPER (E-3, Back end)
TURBO 99 (KC-135, 22 ARW)
VENOM (JTAC, 165th ASOS)
VIDAR 06 (S-3B, VS-22)

364.200 - NORAD AICC
238.400 - NORAD Discrete
254.200 - NORAD Discrete
316.300 - NORAD Discrete
320.600 - AWACS Discrete
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
324.600 - AR-207
348.900 - AR-600
228.225 - 23rd Wing "ANGEL OPS"
143.750 - 23rd Wing air-to-air


ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low

323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon

255.400 - Flight Service


Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

442.700 Repeater on the Air

The W4LHS 442.700 repeater is on the air. After going up with some problems yesterday, some troubleshooting this morning has improved the performance. I heard it well from the Eisenhower and Waters area and from Pooler this morning as they were doing some testing.

Thanks to Lowell Beckner, N4ZLJ, Ed Bigbie, W4MMQ, and others for the work they put into getting the 442.700 up and running. It's good to have a 70cm repeater in the area!

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Upcoming Amateur Radio Events

It's been a busy week and I haven't had much time for posting. There are, however, some upcoming amateur radio events that bear announcing. Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to get a military monitoring recap posted.

Bacon Park Special Event Station
On Saturday, 17 September 2008, there will be a special event station set up at the ball field at the intersection of Skidaway Rd. and Bonna Bella Ave. This special event station will be part of an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the CCC (Citizens Conservation Corps). Setup will begin at 9:00 AM and operations will run to around 2:00 PM. Pending approval, it is hoped that the callsign will be K4S. For more information, contact Steve Jonas, K4SDJ at k4sdj@comcast.net


Heart of Savannah 5K Run
Amateur Radio Operators will be needed to provide communications for this year's Heart of Savannah 5K Run in downtown Savannah. Operators will be needed on 4 October 2008 beginning at 5:30 PM. For more information or to volunteer, contact Steve Jonas, K4SDJ at k4sdj@comcast.net


Boy Scout Merit Badge Net
There will be a special net at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, 7 October 2008 for the purpose of assisting Boy Scouts with working on their Radio Merit Badges. Operators will be needed to stand by to participate in the net and make contacts with the Boy Scouts. At this time, I haven't heard what frequency or repeater this will be on. If I hear more, I'll post an update.


Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

LifeStar and Omni Flight

Over the last few weekends, I've noticed something interesting on the repeater used by LifeStar One, the medevac helicopter at Memorial Hospital here in Savannah, GA. During the weekends, I've been hearing LifeStar working their communications through OMNI FLIGHT on the 462.975 repeater instead of LIFE STAR BASE.

My educated guess is that OMNI FLIGHT is the Omni Flight Communications center in Kennesaw, GA. It sounds like they are probably routing communications through that comm center via a Motobridge.

I've also been hearing other medevac helicopters (which I've not ID'd yet) over the repeater as well on missions that have nothing to do with Memorial. Band conditions at the times weren't conducive to UHF skip either. I am guessing that the traffic from these other helicopters is also coming across the Motobridge I mentioned above.

I've sent a post to the Scan Savannah and Scan Atlanta yahoo groups, so hopefully more will come of this. It will definitely be interesting to follow and see where it goes.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Domincan Republic Confirmed on 6 Meters

I've been distracted from radio for several reasons this past week and hope to be more active in the coming week. One thing that bears posting, however, is the QSL card I received. Late in the week, I received a card from HI3TEJ, Ted Jimenez in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. I worked Ted several times throughout the summer E-skip cycle; this card is from my first contact with him on 23 June 2008.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

236.075

I got an email this morning from Jack Nesmith, IDing one of the frequencies from Monday's Military Monitoring Recap post. He reports that 236.075 is Grand Bay Range near Moody AFB. I was thinking that it was a range or MOA frequency due to the nature of the traffic, but wasn't sure at the time, hence the "23 Wing?" label.

Thanks, Jack!


Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Military Monitoring Recap; 16-31 August 2008

Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
32.350 - 1-10 AVN SHARK OPS"
77,725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops

ARMY 25297 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 45462 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 45464 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 45477 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 57005 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 57009 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 57011 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 75503 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 75504 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN
ARMY 75506 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 75507 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 75516 (AH-64D, 1-10 AVN)
ARMY 03749 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03751 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03754 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03756 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26350 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26417 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 295 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
HURRICANE ## (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
TESTHAWK ## (UH-60, OLR)
COAST GUARD6548 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6560 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6581 (HH-65C, Savannah)
ARMY 23765 (CH-47D)
ARMY 26991 (UH-60)
BOXER 003
HANK 61/62 (C-130)
JOSA 023
KING 15 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
PAT 089
PAT 439
PAT 724


Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
380.025 - Approach/Departure
244.875 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
387.100 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165 AW CP

DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
NAVY WB 177


Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
51.050 - Helicopter Common


MCAS Beaufort
251.700 - Approach/Departure
301.200 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-122 Base
283.400 - VMFA-122 Tac 1
354.325 - VMFA-122 Tac 2
269.700 - VMFA-122 Tac 3
305.800 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
250.300 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 1
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2

NIKEL 3# (F/A-18C, VMFA-122)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18, VMFA-312)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
NAVY WB 808


Charleston AFB
349.400 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
372.200 - PTD
344.600 - PMSV
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT
BASCO ## (C-17, 437th AW/315th AW)
GRITS ## (C-17, 437th AW/315th AW)
MOOSE ## (C-17, 437th AW/315th AW)
PALM ## (C-17, 437th AW/315th AW)


Shaw AFB
381.300 - Shaw AFB CP
252.100 - Shaw SOF
140.200 - Shaw SOF
311.200 - 55th FS "SHOOTER OPS"
139.975 - 55th FS air-to-air
141.900 - 55th FS air-to-air
141.650 - 55th FS air-to-air
142.400 - 55th FS air-to-air
320.525 - 55th FS air-to-air
139.700 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.550 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.600 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.700 - 79th FS air-to-air

HYDRA ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
KILLER ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
PISTOL ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
RAZOR ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
SHOOTER ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
STRUT ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
BENGAL ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
HELLCAT ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
SCAR ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
TIGER ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)


McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16

MACE ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)


Jacksonville IAP
322.400 - Approach/Departure
335.600 - Approach/Departure
351.800 - Approach/Departure
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
273.900 - 125th FW SOF
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7

FANG (F-15, 125th FW)
SNAKE (F-15, 125th FW)


Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
228.050 - JSTARS Discrete
355.250 - JSTARS Discrete
376.125 - JSTARS Discrete
388.225 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete

PEACH 33 (E-8C, 330th CTS Front End)
ALLEYCAT (E-8C, 128 ACCS)
STARGATE (E-8C, 330th CTS Back End)


Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA


SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
301.000 - South TACTS Range Discrete
350.000 - South TACTS Range Discrete
355.325 - North TACTS Range Discrete
311.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete


DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete


Miscellaneous
DARKSTAR (E-3, 965 ACCS)
GUNMAN 0# (A-10, 23rd Wing)
HEDGE 0# (A-10, 23rd Wing)
HUNTRESS (NORAD EADS)
MACHO 0# (A-10, 23rd Wing)
PISTON ## (KC-135, 6 ARW)
SCOLD ## (A-10, 23rd Wing)
SHOTGUN (JTAC)
TRIDENT 43 (P-3C, VP-26)
WAFER 21 (P-3C, USN)

364.200 - NORAD AICC
371.350 - CPRW-11 Base
8.971 USB - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
324.600 - AR-207
139.700 - 23rd Wing air-to-air
143.600 - 23rd Wing air-to-air
236.075 - 23rd Wing?


ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low

323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon

255.400 - Flight Service


Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Chatham County ARES Net

Chatham County ARES will be conducting a net on Thursdays at 8:00 PM on the 146.970 repeater. The ARES Net began last week and with the proximity of Tropical Storm Hanna had over 30 check-ins.

The ARES Net will transition to a simplex net at 8:45 PM. Currently, the simplex net is being held on 146.520.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Tropical Storm Hanna - Savannah Dodges Another Bullet

Over the weekend, Savannah dodged another bullet as Tropical Storm Hanna moved by far enough off of the coast to cause minimal effects to Savannah and the coastal Georgia area. All we received was a small amount of wind and rain, with none of it damaging in nature.

While it does cause worry in that such an experience could cause some in the public to think that officials are pulling a "Chicken Little," crying the "Sky is falling!" it did provide somewhat of a dress rehearsal for future emergencies. On the local government level, the Chatham County EOC was partially activated and emergency officials and the media worked together to keep the public informed. On the amateur radio level, it was a wake-up call to get ready. During the Thursday night ARES net, there were over 30 check-ins.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

CEMA Tropical Storm Hanna News Release #12

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING has been issued for an area that includes Chatham County.

AT 11:00AM, the center of Tropical Storm Hanna was located near latitude 28.9 N, 79.2W, or approximately 220 miles South-Southeast of Chatham County. Movement is to the Northwest near 17 MPH.

The National Weather Service has issued Tropical Storm WARNINGS from Altamaha Sound, GA northward along the Atlantic Coast to Sandy Hook, NJ. Hanna continues to move to the northwest but a turn to the north is expected later today. On Saturday, Hanna is expected to increase in forward speed and slightly strengthen before making landfall near Myrtle Beach, SC. Upon making landfall, Hanna will begin weakening immediately. It is expected that the center of Hanna will be near the southeast coast of the United States this afternoon and tonight.

Because tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 315 miles from the center of Hanna, Chatham County residents should finalize their preparations for the possibility of power outages and downed trees. It is also expected that Chatham County will experience slightly higher tides, 2-3 inches of rain, and the possibility of 35-45 mph wind with gusts reaching 65 mph on Friday evening. ANY INDIVIDUALS WHO RELY ON ELECTRICITY FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES SHOULD FINALIZE EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS. If you would like to sign up for the Chatham County Special Needs Registry, please call 912-356-2441.

CEMA updates will continue throughout the day as staff monitors the storm. Evacuation orders have not been issued.

CEMA continues to remain in Operating Conditions 4, to monitor Tropical Storm Hanna’s path.

Again, please be advised that there are two additional storms in the Atlantic: Hurricane Ike (which is currently a Category 4) and Tropical Storm Josephine. It is strongly recommended that Chatham County residents continue making improvements to their family preparedness plans. If you do not have family and pet evacuation plans, please establish them now (including evacuation transportation) for precautionary purposes.

CEMA Tropical Storm Hanna News Release #11

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING has been issued for an area that includes Chatham County.

AT 08:00AM, the center of Tropical Storm Hanna was located near latitude 28.2 N, 78.8W, or approximately 330 miles South-Southeast of Chatham County. Movement is to the Northwest near 18 MPH. A gradual turn to the North with an increase in forward speed is expected later today.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65mph with higher gusts. Tropical Storm Force Winds extend outward up to 315 miles from the center. Only a slight strengthening is forecast prior to landfall along the Carolina Coast, although it is still possible for HANNA to become a hurricane.

The effects from HANNA can be expected along the coast beginning today. Before midnight, we can expect 1-2 inches of rain and 15-25mph winds, with gusts to 45-55mph. Coastal storm surge flooding of 1-2 feet above normal tide levels, along with minor beach erosion is likely. After midnight, winds should decrease to 15-25mph. Swells from HANNA continue to cause a high risk of dangerous RIP currents along portions of the Georgia Coast. The tornado threat associated with HANNA for our area is low.

Widespread disruptions to our local power grid may occur due to downed trees and power lines. Citizens who rely on electrically powered equipment for health and safety reasons, especially in our island areas, need to make appropriate preparations.

CEMA will continue to remain in OPCON 4 which is the first stage of advanced alert and preparation. Emergency response agencies should review their Hurricane Plans and determine the availability of assets, resources and personnel. Agencies with reporting responsibilities should be doing so at this time. All interested parties should maintain vigilance in monitoring this storm, thoroughly check emergency supplies, and review evacuation plans.

CEMA Tropical Storm Hanna News Release #9

At 5:00 am, Tropical Storm Hanna was located near Latitude 24.0 North, Longitude 72.8West and continues to move to the northwest at a speed of 12 mph. It is expected that Hanna will increase slightly in strength over the next several days and CEMA will remain in Operating Condition 4 to monitor her progress.

On Friday evening, Chatham County residents can expect slightly higher tides, 2-4 inches of rain, and the possibility of 25-35 mph wind with gusts reaching 45 mph. Chatham County will remain under a Tropical Storm WATCH until further notice by the National Weather Service.

Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor the storm and to expect power outages in some parts of the County. Anyone who is dependant on electricity for medical purposes should be making preparations now.

During a 5:15 am conference call with the National Weather Service – Charleston, Chatham County Officials discussed the need to respond to Hanna’s projected path. Chatham County Officials are continuing to monitor Hanna’s path but will not issue any evacuation orders at this time. Another 11:15 am conference call is scheduled with the National Weather Service.

Again, please be advised that there are two additional storms in the Atlantic: Hurricane Ike (which is currently a Category 4) and Tropical Storm Josephine. It is strongly recommended that Chatham County residents continue making improvements to their family preparedness plans. If you do not have family and pet evacuation plans, please establish them now (including evacuation transportation) for precautionary purposes.

Tropical Storm Hanna 0800 Forecast Track

CEMA Tropical Storm Hanna News Release #8

At 5:00 pm, Tropical Storm Hanna was located near Latitude 21.9 North, Longitude 71.9West and continues to move to the northwest at a speed of 12 mph. Hanna has picked up in speed since this morning and it is predicted that she will continue to do so. With this forward speed, it is predicted that she not make landfall in or near Georgia but will continue north to the North Carolina coastline.

While tropical storm tracking models are predicting that Hanna will make a sharp Easterly turn bypassing Chatham County all together, CEMA continues to encourage Chatham County residents to remain alert and continue to monitor weather advisories via TV, radio or internet. As with any tropical storm, there is always the possibility of error with prediction models. CEMA officials will continue to watch Hanna and provide updates as necessary.

Again, please be advised that there are two additional tropical storms in the Atlantic: Tropical Storm Ike and Josephine. It is strongly recommended that Chatham County residents continue making improvements to their family preparedness plans. If you do not have a family and pet evacuation plan, please establish one now (including evacuation transportation) for precautionary purposes.

CEMA Tropical Storm Hanna News Release #7

At 2:00 pm, Tropical Storm Hanna was located near Latitude 20.6 North, Longitude 71.8 West and continues to move to the northwest at a speed of 10 mph. Hanna has picked up in speed since this morning and it is predicted that she will continue to do so. With this forward speed, it is predicted that she will make landfall within the next several days along the South Carolina coast.

The National Weather Service’s tracking models show Hanna moving toward the Myrtle Beach / Charleston, SC area. However, as with all tropical storms it is prudent that Chatham County residents remain alert and continue to monitor weather advisories via TV, radio or internet.

CEMA is currently monitoring the storm but has not made any evacuation recommendations. If Hanna’s current projected path continues, it is unlikely that Chatham County residents will need to evacuate. However, if there is a small shift in the storm’s direction, it may be necessary to issue a partial evacuation. Residents are strongly encouraged to continue monitoring Hanna’s path.

Please be advised that there are two additional tropical storms in the Atlantic: Tropical Storm Ike and Josephine. Chatham County residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and maintain proper family preparedness plans.

1100 Hours Tropical Storm Hanna Forecast Track

Tropical Storm Hanna's latest forecast track continues to show it tracking towards central South Carolina. Savannah, however, is still within the forecast cone. If you look at the second map, the track map from NAVMETOCCEN Norfolk, you can see that the system is still forecast to come close to us (look at the circles around the Hurricane symbol)

As noted in a newspaper article this morning and heard in Coast Guard notices to mariners on 157.100 (Marine VHF Ch. 22), the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick have been put in Port Condition Whiskey by the Captain of the Port.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

0500 Hours Tropical Storm Hanna Forecast Track and NOAA 49 in Savannah

Last night when I went to bed, Tropical Storm Hanna's aim had once again shifted towards Savannah. The 5 day forecast track put it making landfall very close to Savannah before moving northward. This morning as I check the forecast, the track has shifted back to the central South Carolina Coast. This erratic nature of the forecast track is why we must be vigilant regarding Tropical Storm Hanna. As the CEMA News Releases mention, minor changes in each advisory can result in major changes to the forecast track.

I don't know whether it is related to TS Hanna, but NOAA 49, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Gulfstream G-IV arrived at Savannah International Airport last night.

We can't ignore the threat of Hanna, but we must also pay attention to TS Ike and TS Josephine, which are brewing and gaining strength in the Atlantic.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

CEMA News Release/Situation Update #4 - Hurricane Hanna

Tropical Storm Hanna Update
Savannah, GA – September 02, 2008, 6:00 pm

At 5:00 pm, Tropical Storm Hanna was located near Latitude 20.4 North, Longitude 72.7 West or about 833 nautical miles southeast of Chatham County and was moving toward the north at a speed of 5 mph.

Tropical Storm Hanna made little progress towards the north on Tuesday but it is expected to move across the southeastern Bahamas this evening, the central Bahamas tomorrow and the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday.

Due to its slow course of movement, forecast models have not been able to narrow the potential impact area. The Chatham County area is still considered to be in a potentially affected area by Hanna and it is suggested that all residents continue to monitor their radio, TV, and NOAA weather radios for information on storm progression.

CEMA continues to remain in Operating Conditions 4, to monitor Tropical Storm Hanna’s path. No evacuation orders for Chatham County have been issued at this time.

MCAS Beaufort Frequency Changes

A NOTAM for MCAS Beaufort list the following frequency changes for MCAS Beaufort Ground, Tower, and Beaufort Approach/Departure:

• 336.400, Ground replaced with 348.625
• 340.200, Tower Primary replaced with 342.675
• 360.200, Tower Secondary replaced with 363.150
• 301.200, Approach/Departure replaced with 292.125
• 251.700, Approach/Departure replaced with 328.425

292.125 has been confirmed in use by monitoring and by handoffs from SEALORD on 284.500.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

1100 Hours Hurricane Hanna Forecast Tracks

2-3 AVN and 4-3 AVN Helicopters Return to Hunter AAF

Throughout the late morning and early afternoon, UH-60s and CH-47s from 2-3 AVN and 4-3 AVN have been moving from Georgia Ports, where they have been unloaded from transport ships, to Hunter AAF.

They have been departing the ports on 134.100 with PORT CONTROL and switching to 124.975 with Hunter AAF tower.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

CEMA Hurricane Hanna Update

Hurricane Hanna Approaching Chatham: What Can YOU Do
Savannah, GA – September 02, 2008

At 8:00 am Tuesday morning Hurricane Hanna was located at Latitude 21.2 L North, Longitude 73.1 West and moving at 2 mph. While Hanna’s projected path has changed slightly in that it is estimated to make landfall near Charleston, South Carolina, the Chatham Emergency Management Agency recommends that all residents begin preparing their families and homes.

• Monitor radio, TV, and NOAA weather radios for information on storm progression.
• Visit CEMA’s website at www.ChathamEmergency.org and sign up for CEMA Alerts.
• Fuel and service family vehicles.
• Inspect and secure mobile home tie-downs.
• Gather important documents (deeds, SSN cards, military records, bank statements) and put into a small portable waterproof container.
• Determine your evacuation destination (if ordered to evacuate).
• Make evacuation plans for your pets (including carriers / leashes, pet food, water and dishes).
• Check food and water supplies. Have clean, airtight containers on hand to store water.
• Keep a small cooler with frozen jell packs for refrigerated items.
• Prepare to cover window and door openings with protective materials. If you have not precut plywood for windows, do it now.
• Check and replenish first aid supplies.
• Check supplies of prescription medicine.
• Check and stock up on radio, flashlight, and lantern batteries.
• Secure outdoor lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects such as garbage cans, garden tools, potted plants, etc.
• Have an extra supply of cash and coins.

Hurricane Hanna ARES Frequencies

From Guy McDonald, K4GTM, the Chatham County Amateur Radio Emergency Service EC (Emergency Coordinator), here are frequencies to monitor for Savannah local area ARES activity:

146.970 - ARES Primary Net
146.880 - ARES Secondary Net
147.585 - ARES Primary Simplex
146.475 - ARES Secondary Simplex

There may be an ARES Net on Tuesday or Wednesday evening on the 146.970 repeater to deal with Hurricane Hanna preparations. Guy also passes along the following Georgia ARES HF frequencies:

7.275 LSB - GA ARES Daytime
3.975 LSB - GA ARES Night
5.330 USB - GA ARES 60 Meters

Guy also reminds us of 14.325 USB, the Hurricane Watch Net. For other frequencies, including public safety frequencies and talkgroups, check the 2008 Hurricane Monitoring article from the ARCS Key Klix newsletter here.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

CEMA News Release #1 - Hurricane Hanna

CEMA Enters into Operating Condition 4
Savannah, GA – September 1, 2008

At 5:00 pm, Hurricane Hanna was located near Latitude 22.2 North, Longitude 72.6 West or about 743 nautical miles south of Chatham County and was moving toward the north at a speed of 4 mph. Hurricane Hanna is slowly moving northwest and is expected to continue this track throughout the next several days. Hurricane force winds from Hanna extend outward up to 70 miles with Tropical Storm force winds extending outward up to 160 miles.

Under the current forecast, Hanna is expected to make landfall near Chatham County on Friday afternoon at approximately 2pm. However, minor changes with each advisory could result in major changes in the forecast track and storm dynamics.

As of this release, CEMA is entering into Operating Condition (OPCON) 4 or the Monitoring Phase as defined by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. OPCON 4 is the first stage in advanced readiness. All interested parties should maintain vigilance in monitoring this storm through local media.

A thorough check of emergency supplies and evacuation plans is in order. Emergency response agencies should review their hurricane plans and determine the availability of their assets, resources and personnel. Those agencies that have the tesponsibility to share information should be doing so at this time.

Hurricane Hanna Forms

Tropical Storm Hanna has developed into Hurricane Hanna. This storm is one that we in the Coastal Georgia and Savannah area must pay attention to in the coming days. The 5 day forecast track is forecasting Hanna to come ashore in the Savannah area.

A look at the computer models shows that the models are getting close in their forecast tracks (See below). 4 of the 6 models are currently forecasting Hanna to move toward the Savannah and Charleston areas.

We should certainly be following this storm closely and not let Gustav divert too much of our attention and efforts from it. As the week moves on, keep a close watch on weather reports. Amateur Radio Operators should keep an ear on local nets such and monitor repeaters such as the 146.700, 146.745 (97.4 tone), and 146.970 for possible emergency information and operations.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net