Joseph Fratto-K1UN – FCC General Radiotelephone Operator Writes:
The USCG Auxiliary Radio Nets for Divisions 5 / 12 were held on 8 SEP 24 at 1000 hrs
on the Roslindale repeater.
Check Ins: Radio Roslindale
Vessel 323088
Mobile 5F
Mobile 5G
Radio Wilmington
Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS
Traffic: Routine radio checks and no official traffic.
The “Auxiliary Net” was held at 1100 hrs on the MMRA Minuteman Repeater
Network. We had 15 stations checked into the net. On a training note we discussed
that September is National Preparedness Month under the EPA. We mentioned using
portable generators and the need for safety precautions.
Our two new Auxiliary Amateur Radio Operators now have their issued Ham Radio
callsigns. Ben Wechsler is KC3ZRF and he is located in Kennebunkport Maine.
Jane Eastman KC1VHN was on the “Auxiliary Net” this morning and made a lot of
friends on the radio net.
Also on the MMRA Auxiliary Net we mentioned that we are all assigned to ESF #2.
This is the official ICS Incident Command Structure classification for Radio Ops.
ESF #2 stands for Emergency Support Function #2. ESF #2 comes under the broad
heading of Logistics Command.
At the request of Department of Homeland Security ESF #2 personel. The FCC Federal
Communications Commission approved the 60 meter five channels. These five channels
allow Ham radio operators to communicate with authorized federal stations at any time.
Federal stations come up and guard these five channels during emergencies and drills.
Hams are secondary users of these channels and are allowed to use them as they please.
During emergencies or in times of need stations with HF capability are urged to monitor
the 5 Mhz 60 meter channels for any emergency traffic.
Also please note that there is a USAF Military Auxiliary Radio Service MARS VHF Radio
Net held every Friday Evening at 1930 Hrs. This net is on the USAF MARS VHF Radio
Net on the MARS VHF Linked radio network. You have to be an authorized MARS Radio
operator to participate. The MARS network is very much alive on VHF and stations from
across the Commonwealth and surrounding states routinely participate.
Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License