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