The USS Truman CSG is currently operating off of the Florida Coast for training. I'll post more along with frequencies as soon as I get the chance.
Mac McCormick III
KF4LMT
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
29 January 2010
27 January 2010
Winter Field Day
Hello fellow HAMs,
All Savannah area amateur radio operators are invited to participate in an outing that we are having in conjunction with the Winter Field Day. Here is a link to the outfit that is sponsoring the Field Day nationally.
http://www.spar-hams.org/contests/winterfd/index.php?pg=2.
We have reserved the pavillion at the Lott's Island Recreation Area on Hunter Army Airfield for all day Saturday, Jan 30th. Folks will begin arrivng to set up as early as 0830 or 0900. Bring a radio, a power source, and an antenna, or just bring yourself and get on the air! You will need to get a vehicle pass at the Stephenson or Montgomery St. gate before you can enter the recreation area via the Rio Gate. You'll need your drivers license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Tell the guard that you are going to the amateur radio outing at Lott's Island. Here is some info on Lott's Island Rec Center.
http://www.militarycampgrounds.us/component/content/article/49-georgia/94-lotts-island-army-airfield-rv-park
Guy McDonald, K4GTM
ARES Emergency Coordinator Chatham County GA
www.k4gtm.blogspot.com/
All Savannah area amateur radio operators are invited to participate in an outing that we are having in conjunction with the Winter Field Day. Here is a link to the outfit that is sponsoring the Field Day nationally.
http://www.spar-hams.org/contests/winterfd/index.php?pg=2.
We have reserved the pavillion at the Lott's Island Recreation Area on Hunter Army Airfield for all day Saturday, Jan 30th. Folks will begin arrivng to set up as early as 0830 or 0900. Bring a radio, a power source, and an antenna, or just bring yourself and get on the air! You will need to get a vehicle pass at the Stephenson or Montgomery St. gate before you can enter the recreation area via the Rio Gate. You'll need your drivers license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Tell the guard that you are going to the amateur radio outing at Lott's Island. Here is some info on Lott's Island Rec Center.
http://www.militarycampgrounds.us/component/content/article/49-georgia/94-lotts-island-army-airfield-rv-park
Guy McDonald, K4GTM
ARES Emergency Coordinator Chatham County GA
www.k4gtm.blogspot.com/
20 January 2010
More USCG Activity is Being Heard on UHF
Chris Parris' Monitoring Times Fedcom Blog reports more USCG activity in the 405-420 MHz band. 413.000 has been logged active as "CG 410" here in Savannah; now 412.975 has been logged active as "CG 409" in San Francisco. Additionally, 416.550 has also been heard in California but no designator has been ascertained. He also indicates that these UHF frequencies are part of the USCG SCRU (Short Range Communications Upgrade system). For more info on what is being heard, check out the MT Fedcom Blog at the link above.
As I've mentioned several times before, it is time to start searching for new USCG frequencies; their communications are in a state of change. One of the fun things about the radio hobby is searching down new communications systems!
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
As I've mentioned several times before, it is time to start searching for new USCG frequencies; their communications are in a state of change. One of the fun things about the radio hobby is searching down new communications systems!
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
17 January 2010
Robins AFB TRS
On 14 January, I took a trip to the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins with my friends Dan, KF4MND and Guy, K4GTM. It had been awhile (apparently since 2007 as near as I can tell) since I had been to the museum and they have had some changes for the good since that last visit. They have built a built a third hangar and have been able to move even more aircraft inside out of the elements. A Thunderbirds F-16 and an MH-53J Pave Low have been added to their inventory. A neat feature has been added to the second hangar - a second level houses the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame and allows you to look down upon the SR-71 and U-2 and level with the MH-53J! A great museum just continues to get better; if you've never been there plan a trip - you'll enjoy it.
While there at the museum, I took the opportunity to monitor the Robins AFB TRS. Since my last visit, the system has become mixed mode; they are now incorporating P25 digital talkgroups. The digital talkgroups were in the 4#### range and appear to be used by the 116th Air Control Wing. All of their previously heard 8### talkgroups were silent. With the demise of the 19th ARG, their talkgroups in the 16### range were also silent. I have combined this trip with previous monitoring of the system to form this list:
406.3625, 406.7625, 407.1625, 407.3625, 407.9625, 408.1625, 408.7625, 409.1625, 409.5625
TG 2544
TG 2576
TG 2960
TG 3248 - ALC, ROGUE CONTROL
TG 3344 - ALC?
TG 3376 - ALC
TG 3408 - ALC?
TG 3472 - ALC
TG 3504 - ALC
TG 3536 - ALC
TG 3568 - ALC
TG 3600 - ALC
TG 3632 - ALC
TG 3696 - ALC
TG 3760 - ALC
TG 3792 - ALC
TG 3856 - ALC
TG 3888 - ALC
TG 4912 - Tower/Ground Control
TG 4944 - Crash/Fire
TG 6448 - Security Control
TG 6480 - Police Control
TG 11280
TG 13648
TG 13680
TG 13712
TG 40048 - 116 ACW (P25)
TG 40528 - 116 ACW (P25)
TG 40784 - 116 ACW (P25)
While there at the museum, I took the opportunity to monitor the Robins AFB TRS. Since my last visit, the system has become mixed mode; they are now incorporating P25 digital talkgroups. The digital talkgroups were in the 4#### range and appear to be used by the 116th Air Control Wing. All of their previously heard 8### talkgroups were silent. With the demise of the 19th ARG, their talkgroups in the 16### range were also silent. I have combined this trip with previous monitoring of the system to form this list:
406.3625, 406.7625, 407.1625, 407.3625, 407.9625, 408.1625, 408.7625, 409.1625, 409.5625
TG 2544
TG 2576
TG 2960
TG 3248 - ALC, ROGUE CONTROL
TG 3344 - ALC?
TG 3376 - ALC
TG 3408 - ALC?
TG 3472 - ALC
TG 3504 - ALC
TG 3536 - ALC
TG 3568 - ALC
TG 3600 - ALC
TG 3632 - ALC
TG 3696 - ALC
TG 3760 - ALC
TG 3792 - ALC
TG 3856 - ALC
TG 3888 - ALC
TG 4912 - Tower/Ground Control
TG 4944 - Crash/Fire
TG 6448 - Security Control
TG 6480 - Police Control
TG 11280
TG 13648
TG 13680
TG 13712
TG 40048 - 116 ACW (P25)
TG 40528 - 116 ACW (P25)
TG 40784 - 116 ACW (P25)
15 January 2010
Hawks Return From Japan
I have not heard the HAWKs return, but I look forward to hearing them back in the air and training in the Coastal Georgia area soon. They work Townsend Range frequently and that is something I should be able to hear pretty easily from Brunswick. - Mac
After six months of deployment, approximately 190 Marines and two corpsman with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, also known as the Hawks, returned to the Air Station, Tuesday from Iwakuni, Japan.
The Hawks conducted a Western Pacific deployment to Iwakuni and provided 1st Marine Aircraft Wing with additional operational capability, including flight support and disaster relief.
"The Hawks provided 1st MAW with additional assets to conduct inter-service operation in order to exercise systems as well as provide valuable experience for all aircrew and maintainers," explained Capt. Matt Humphries, a weapons systems officer with VMFA(AW) – 533.
The Hawks worked with numerous units from the Marine Corps, the Air Force, Japanese Air Self Defense Force and the Philippine Air Force.
During the deployment, the Hawks pilots were able to successfully train with various types of F/A-18 Hornets, train in Dissimilar Air Combat Training with Mitsubishi F-2's and F-15 Eagle's from the JASDF and provided real-time imagery and reconnaissance in support of humanitarian and disaster relief operations in the Philippines as a result of Super Typhoon Ketsana.
"We were able to send individual Marines to work with the Army and Air Force in South Korea and Japan as part of annual bi-lateral exercises," Humphries said.
While the Marines were deployed, their spouses were able to participate in various activities such as movie night, bowling night and a yellow ribbon cruise to pass time with others who are experiencing the same thing, explained Jennifer Scherr, the VMFA(AW) – 533 family readiness officer.
"Although deployments can be demanding on families, the support of other spouses helps us know that we're not going through this alone," said Maura Quinn, spouse of a Fightertown Marine. "When you're having a rough time during a deployment, it's nice to know that others are going through the same thing and are there for you."
Spouses will continue to have support for each other and gatherings during future deployments, according to Sherr.
"As a whole, the deployment was extremely successful, with all of the Marines gaining valuable experience in all aspects of aviation and maintenance," Humphries said. "We hope to take all that we have learned and translate it into an even greater success in the United States."
The Hawks will continue training for their upcoming deployment, scheduled for early 2011.
Story by Lance Cpl. Courtney White
Date: 01.14.2010After six months of deployment, approximately 190 Marines and two corpsman with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, also known as the Hawks, returned to the Air Station, Tuesday from Iwakuni, Japan.
The Hawks conducted a Western Pacific deployment to Iwakuni and provided 1st Marine Aircraft Wing with additional operational capability, including flight support and disaster relief.
"The Hawks provided 1st MAW with additional assets to conduct inter-service operation in order to exercise systems as well as provide valuable experience for all aircrew and maintainers," explained Capt. Matt Humphries, a weapons systems officer with VMFA(AW) – 533.
The Hawks worked with numerous units from the Marine Corps, the Air Force, Japanese Air Self Defense Force and the Philippine Air Force.
During the deployment, the Hawks pilots were able to successfully train with various types of F/A-18 Hornets, train in Dissimilar Air Combat Training with Mitsubishi F-2's and F-15 Eagle's from the JASDF and provided real-time imagery and reconnaissance in support of humanitarian and disaster relief operations in the Philippines as a result of Super Typhoon Ketsana.
"We were able to send individual Marines to work with the Army and Air Force in South Korea and Japan as part of annual bi-lateral exercises," Humphries said.
While the Marines were deployed, their spouses were able to participate in various activities such as movie night, bowling night and a yellow ribbon cruise to pass time with others who are experiencing the same thing, explained Jennifer Scherr, the VMFA(AW) – 533 family readiness officer.
"Although deployments can be demanding on families, the support of other spouses helps us know that we're not going through this alone," said Maura Quinn, spouse of a Fightertown Marine. "When you're having a rough time during a deployment, it's nice to know that others are going through the same thing and are there for you."
Spouses will continue to have support for each other and gatherings during future deployments, according to Sherr.
"As a whole, the deployment was extremely successful, with all of the Marines gaining valuable experience in all aspects of aviation and maintenance," Humphries said. "We hope to take all that we have learned and translate it into an even greater success in the United States."
The Hawks will continue training for their upcoming deployment, scheduled for early 2011.
14 January 2010
Haiti Earthquake Relief Communications
On Wednesday, I devoted the majority of my radio monitoring time to the Haitian Earthquake. While friends of mine were monitoring the Amateur Radio nets associated with relief operations, I decided to monitor USCG relief operations. I concentrated on the COTHEN ALE Net, listening to HH-60s doing medevacs and HC-130s doing evacuations and medevacs from the Port Au Prince Airport. HH-60s using the callsigns ##C and J## and HC-130s using the callsigns 15## and 17## were working through ground stations CAMSLANT (Communications Master Station Atlantic), PANTHER (Operation Bahamas and Turks), and USCG District 7 Miami Ops (via phone patch through SERVICE CENTER). Most of the activity I heard was on the following frequencies:
5.732 USB
7.527 USB
8.912 USB
10.242 USB
11.494 USB
15.867 USB
As far as Amateur Radio Nets are concerned, there are IARU nets in operation on 7.045 LSB and 3.720 LSB. Amateur Radio Operators are asked to monitor these nets, but make sure they are kept clear for essential traffic. SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network) also has nets active on 14.265 USB, 7265 LSB, and 3977.7 LSB. There are also some Echolink VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) nets in operation. In the Savannah area, these can be monitored on the 146.700 and 442.700 repeaters when Jerry, W4SGA and Dan, KF4MND have their echolink nodes connected to the repeaters.
Local VHF/UHF monitoring has indicated multiple large helicopters such as US Navy CH-53s moving southbound and airlift assets departing Charleston AFB for Haiti. Hunter AAF has been used for refueling stops for CH-53s in the past; you may be able to hear them come and go on 124.975/279.575 with communications also possible on Base Ops, 126.200. Aircraft departing Charleston AFB for Haiti can be heard on 134.100/349.400.
Please Pray for the People of Haiti and for the Military Personnel, Government Employees, and NGO workers that are trying to help them.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
5.732 USB
7.527 USB
8.912 USB
10.242 USB
11.494 USB
15.867 USB
As far as Amateur Radio Nets are concerned, there are IARU nets in operation on 7.045 LSB and 3.720 LSB. Amateur Radio Operators are asked to monitor these nets, but make sure they are kept clear for essential traffic. SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network) also has nets active on 14.265 USB, 7265 LSB, and 3977.7 LSB. There are also some Echolink VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) nets in operation. In the Savannah area, these can be monitored on the 146.700 and 442.700 repeaters when Jerry, W4SGA and Dan, KF4MND have their echolink nodes connected to the repeaters.
Local VHF/UHF monitoring has indicated multiple large helicopters such as US Navy CH-53s moving southbound and airlift assets departing Charleston AFB for Haiti. Hunter AAF has been used for refueling stops for CH-53s in the past; you may be able to hear them come and go on 124.975/279.575 with communications also possible on Base Ops, 126.200. Aircraft departing Charleston AFB for Haiti can be heard on 134.100/349.400.
Please Pray for the People of Haiti and for the Military Personnel, Government Employees, and NGO workers that are trying to help them.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
11 January 2010
Joint basing at Charleston moves forward with activation of 628th ABW
by Staff Sgt. Daniel Bowles
628th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
1/11/2010 - CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNS) -- Eighteenth Air Force officials activated the 628th Air Base Wing during an assumption-of-command ceremony Jan. 8 at Charleston AFB.
The activation of the 628th ABW is the latest step toward the stand up of Joint Base Charleston Jan. 31.
The joint base stand up in late January will begin the next phase in an ongoing process to merge Charleston AFB with Naval Weapons Station Charleston as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Program.
A total of 12 joint bases across the Department of Defense will have been established when the last one stands up.
The activation ceremony for the 628th ABW was accompanied by the inactivation of two groups under the 437th Airlift Wing, the prior host unit, and their immediate activation as the new 628th Mission Support and 628th Medical Groups under the 628 ABW.
The 437th Airlift Wing had served as the base's host unit since 1991.
Aside from the inactivation of the two groups previously under the 437th AW, the 437th Aerial Port Squadron was realigned under the 437th Maintenance Group. Also, many wing staff agencies previously assigned to the 437th AW will now operate under the 628th ABW.
The organizational structure of other the tenant units on Charleston AFB will remain unchanged.
The leaders of the 437th AW will continue their mission to command assigned airlift and supporting units, providing for the airlift of troops and passengers, military equipment, cargo and aeromedical airlift; and to participate in operations involving the airdrop of troops, equipment and supplies when required.
As the general officer officiating the activation ceremony for the 628th ABW, Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice, 18th Air Force commander, formally introduced Col. Martha Meeker, the first commander of the 628th ABW, citing the depth of her intellect, warrior spirit and capacity for leadership.
"For the complexities of this great merger that we have, pulling together the best of what the Navy has to offer and the best of what the Air Force has to offer, we in the Air Force chose one of our great leaders, Col. Martha Meeker, to come down to Charleston ... so that this great day today, she could take command of the now-established 628th ABW," he said.
As the 628th ABW commander, Colonel Meeker will direct host unit duties for the tenant units of Charleston AFB, and after Jan. 31, for Naval Weapons Station Charleston tenant units as well, as they are merged into Joint Base Charleston.
With the activation of two groups under the 628th ABW, the air base wing's primary duties will be to provide base support for approximately 80,000 personnel, including active-duty and Reserve military members, civilian government employees and contractors, military family members and retirees.
Services provided by the 628th ABW will include base support provisions, such as housing and facilities maintenance, security, childcare, public works, communications, finance, logistics, medical support, personnel, public affairs, legal, food service, contracts and recreation.
The servicing agencies under the wing will employ approximately 2,100 personnel.
In her first public address as 628th ABW commander, Colonel Meeker spoke about heritage, continued commitment and hard work.
"On this day in 1790, George Washington gave the nation's first State of the Union address. A fledging institution itself, the United States had fought hard for its freedom, and President Washington began his remarks by reaffirming his belief in the common defense that made that freedom happen. For as in his words, preparing for war is the most effectual means to preserving the peace," said Colonel Meeker.
"When we look at his words today, all our Airmen, our Sailors, our Soldiers and Marines, and everyone here who makes up Joint Team Charleston, are taking their place today in our common defense. At the center of that Joint Team Charleston, you'll find now the 628th (ABW)," she said.
General Allardice also remarked on the impact the Charleston military community has had, which dates back to the Revolutionary War, and its current role in supporting military and humanitarian operations anywhere in the world.
Joint Base Charleston, he said, will continue that impact with greater efficiency.
"Nothing happens in the world without Charleston from a military perspective," he said. "This is a national treasure here at Charleston ... I know you are focused on preserving that, on building that and on establishing more and more of this great power projection platform that you represent here at Charleston."
628th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
1/11/2010 - CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNS) -- Eighteenth Air Force officials activated the 628th Air Base Wing during an assumption-of-command ceremony Jan. 8 at Charleston AFB.
The activation of the 628th ABW is the latest step toward the stand up of Joint Base Charleston Jan. 31.
The joint base stand up in late January will begin the next phase in an ongoing process to merge Charleston AFB with Naval Weapons Station Charleston as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Program.
A total of 12 joint bases across the Department of Defense will have been established when the last one stands up.
The activation ceremony for the 628th ABW was accompanied by the inactivation of two groups under the 437th Airlift Wing, the prior host unit, and their immediate activation as the new 628th Mission Support and 628th Medical Groups under the 628 ABW.
The 437th Airlift Wing had served as the base's host unit since 1991.
Aside from the inactivation of the two groups previously under the 437th AW, the 437th Aerial Port Squadron was realigned under the 437th Maintenance Group. Also, many wing staff agencies previously assigned to the 437th AW will now operate under the 628th ABW.
The organizational structure of other the tenant units on Charleston AFB will remain unchanged.
The leaders of the 437th AW will continue their mission to command assigned airlift and supporting units, providing for the airlift of troops and passengers, military equipment, cargo and aeromedical airlift; and to participate in operations involving the airdrop of troops, equipment and supplies when required.
As the general officer officiating the activation ceremony for the 628th ABW, Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice, 18th Air Force commander, formally introduced Col. Martha Meeker, the first commander of the 628th ABW, citing the depth of her intellect, warrior spirit and capacity for leadership.
"For the complexities of this great merger that we have, pulling together the best of what the Navy has to offer and the best of what the Air Force has to offer, we in the Air Force chose one of our great leaders, Col. Martha Meeker, to come down to Charleston ... so that this great day today, she could take command of the now-established 628th ABW," he said.
As the 628th ABW commander, Colonel Meeker will direct host unit duties for the tenant units of Charleston AFB, and after Jan. 31, for Naval Weapons Station Charleston tenant units as well, as they are merged into Joint Base Charleston.
With the activation of two groups under the 628th ABW, the air base wing's primary duties will be to provide base support for approximately 80,000 personnel, including active-duty and Reserve military members, civilian government employees and contractors, military family members and retirees.
Services provided by the 628th ABW will include base support provisions, such as housing and facilities maintenance, security, childcare, public works, communications, finance, logistics, medical support, personnel, public affairs, legal, food service, contracts and recreation.
The servicing agencies under the wing will employ approximately 2,100 personnel.
In her first public address as 628th ABW commander, Colonel Meeker spoke about heritage, continued commitment and hard work.
"On this day in 1790, George Washington gave the nation's first State of the Union address. A fledging institution itself, the United States had fought hard for its freedom, and President Washington began his remarks by reaffirming his belief in the common defense that made that freedom happen. For as in his words, preparing for war is the most effectual means to preserving the peace," said Colonel Meeker.
"When we look at his words today, all our Airmen, our Sailors, our Soldiers and Marines, and everyone here who makes up Joint Team Charleston, are taking their place today in our common defense. At the center of that Joint Team Charleston, you'll find now the 628th (ABW)," she said.
General Allardice also remarked on the impact the Charleston military community has had, which dates back to the Revolutionary War, and its current role in supporting military and humanitarian operations anywhere in the world.
Joint Base Charleston, he said, will continue that impact with greater efficiency.
"Nothing happens in the world without Charleston from a military perspective," he said. "This is a national treasure here at Charleston ... I know you are focused on preserving that, on building that and on establishing more and more of this great power projection platform that you represent here at Charleston."
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