Matthew Trott, KB1MLP, Falmouth Amateur Radio Association Public Relations Officer writes:
Members of the Falmouth Amateur Radio Association/Cape Cod ARES participated in ARES drill “Operation Shake Up” on February 9 with surrounding Amateur Radio clubs and home stations.
The purpose of the drill was to test the capability in establishing communications with stations both within and outside of our district. The drill also tested communications capabilities with our hospital station, primary stations, EOC, shelters, and other ARES members’ home stations. Various field sites participated across Cape Cod, including: Falmouth, Sandwich, Harwich, Joint Base Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. In addition, home stations participated from as far away as Acushnet, Massachusetts. Communications utilized 2-meter and 70 cm FM, 75 and 40 meter SSB, and 2 meters PAC digital. ARES field teams were instructed to bring their own equipment. “Served agency” equipment was not used at any time. The Incident Command System (ICS) was assigned prior to the start of operations and used during the exercise.
Falmouth did a great job establishing operations at the Falmouth Hospital, the Falmouth EOC at Falmouth Fire Rescue Headquarters, and the Falmouth Field Site at Falmouth High School. Stations made use of various mobile transceivers, batteries, generators, amplifiers, and home brew antennas. Net control at the Falmouth Hospital did a great job in directing the operation. A lot was learned.
Drills and exercises like “Operation Shake Up” are very important in encouraging participation among Falmouth Amateur Radio Association members and are an important part of FARA’s continuing commitment to community service.