KF4LMT's Monitoring Post: Scanning and Amateur Radio in Savannah, GA

1-10 AVN Range Activity

2008-08-20T15:31:00.004-04:00

This morning the Savannah Morning News ran an article on AH-64Ds from 1-10 AVN training up for a deployment to Iraq: http://savannahnow.com/node/554777

The online article also features photos and videos.

For radio hobbyists, we can catch the AH-64Ds going to and from Hunter AAF and the Fort Stewart ranges. From my location, I lose them after they enter Fort Stewart's airspace due to their low flight level. Stations closer to Fort Stewart may be able to track them farther using Hunter AAF and Fort Stewart frequencies:

124.975 - Hunter AAF Tower
279.575 - Hunter AAF Tower
127.350 - Marne Radio (Fort Stewart)
279.625 - Marne Radio (Fort Stewart)

Listen for ARMY 45###, 57###, and 75### callsigns. They usually ID as AH-64s with Marne Radio when they check in.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

6 Meter Net Apologies

2008-08-19T12:21:00.002-04:00

My apologies to anyone who tried to check into the Southeast GA 6 Meter Ragchew Net last night. Both the backup net control and I were unavailable last night. I was busy taking my mother to St. Josephs to visit my uncle and Guy, K4GTM got out of church late so neither of us were around until well after 9 p.m.

Someone will be around to call the next week, so I hope to catch everyone then!

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Train at Fort Stewart

2008-08-18T22:04:00.002-04:00

It seems that the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (TX Army National Guard) will be training at Fort Stewart much as the 76th BCT did in January and February of this year.

I heard some traffic on the Fort Stewart TRS last week that makes it sound like the 4th Cav Bde will once again be doing the training. Some of the same callsigns have been heard: STALKER, RENEGADE, BLACKJACK, THUNDER, GUNNER, and DAGGER callsigns were heard on TG 10096. WOLVERINE was heard on TG 8944

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

3-3 AVN Reflagged as 1-10 AVN

2008-08-18T18:57:00.003-04:00

Sunday, I received an email from Edwin at the Apache Research Group (website www.ah-64.net) telling me that 3-3 AVN at Hunter AAF was reflagged as 1-10 AVN on 8 August 2008. This is part of their reassignment to the 10th Mountain Division and deployment to Iraq in October. During a change of command ceremony on 8 August, 3-3 AVN was deactivated and reactivated as 1-10 AVN.

The 10th Mountain's 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry will take 3-3 AVN's place in the 3rd Aviation Brigade as they return from Iraq where they have been working with the 3rd Infantry Division. In effect, the 3rd AVN Brigade is swapping an AH-64D Battalion for an OH-58D battalion.

The above was also in a news story from Hunter Public Affairs in the 14 August 2008 issue of "The Frontline," Fort Stewart's newspaper.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Tropical Storm Fay #2

2008-08-17T17:21:00.004-04:00

The forecasted track for Tropical Storm Fay has moved slightly west, but this is still very much a storm we need to pay close attention to. Savannah is well within the 3 and 5 day cones being forecasted by the National Hurricane Center. With the current forecasted track, we could have very strong winds close to Savannah on the western side.

The Hurricane Watch Net has been activated on 14.325 USB. Monitors on the #monitor IRC channel reported that the net was looking for Cuban stations at 2100Z.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT

kf4lmt@comcast.net

Military Monitoring Recap; 01-15 August 2008

2008-08-17T13:54:00.002-04:00

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 - 3-3 AVN SHARK OPS"
87.725 - 3-3 AVN
77,725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops

ARMY 45462 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 45477 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57012 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57013 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75503 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75505 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75506 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75507 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75516 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 03749 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03751 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03756 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26350 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26360 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26366 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26410 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26416 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26490 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26290 (MH-60L, 160 SOAR)
ARMY 26961 (MH-60L, 160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 262 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
HURRICANE ## (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
COAST GUARD 6542 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6560 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6581 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6022 (HH-60J)
NAVY CW 940 (C-130, VR-54)
NAVY HN 433 (SH-60, HSL-42)
NAVY JV 829 (C-40, VR-58)
NAVY LL 09 (P-3C, VP-30)
NAVY LL 57 (P-3C, VP-30)
NAVY LL 80 (P-3C, VP-30)
PELICAN 52 (P-3C, VP-45)

Fort Stewart/Hunter AAF TRS
TG 2128 - 3rd AVN Brigade

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
225.050 - 165 AW CP
237.000 - Savannah CRTC Ops
253.200 - Savannah CRTC Ops, 60th FS "CROW OPS"
293.300 - Savannah CRTC, 60th FS air-to-air
328.500 - Savannah CRTC, 60th FS air-to-air
363.900 - Savannah CRTC, 60th FS air-to-air
379.800 - Savannah CRTC, 60th FS air-to-air
340.375 - S. TACTS Range, 60th FS air-to-air

DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
DAWG 1# (C-130H, 165 AW)
DAWG 45 (C-130H, 165 AW)
DAWG 57 (C-130H, 165 AW)
DAWG 99 (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
EAGLE 0# (MD-500, Chatham Co.)
CHATHAM 0# (fixed wing, Chatham Co.)
CROW ## (F-15, 60 FS)
FOXY 44 (C-37A, 309 AS)
SCAM ## (F-15, 60 FS)
MUSIC 85 (C-130, 118 AW)
NAVY HN 430 (SH-60, HSL-42)

Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
234.250 - Fort Stewart Range

MCAS Beaufort
251.700 - Approach/Departure
301.200 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
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
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 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

NIKEL 3# (F/A-18C, VMFA-122)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18, VMFA-312)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)

Charelston AFB
349.400 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
372.200 - PTD
344.600 - PMSV

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

Shaw AFB
381.300 - Shaw AFB CP
311.200 - 55th FS "SHOOTER OPS"
138.100 - 55th FS air-to-air
139.900 - 55th FS air-to-air
141.650 - 55th FS air-to-air
142.400 - 55th FS air-to-air

DICE (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
HAMMER (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
MOJO ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
PISTOL ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
SNAKE ## (F-16CJ, 55th 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
314.200 - 125th FW Aux 8

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

Robins AFB/JSTARS
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
328.025 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
376.125 - JSTARS Discrete
388.225 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
122.725 - JSTARS wkg N65306
123.450 - JSTARS wkg N65306

PEACH 33 (E-8C, 330th CTS Front End)
ALLEYCAT (E-8C, 128 ACCS)
STARGATE (E-8C, 330th CTS Back End)
N65306 (working with JSTARS)

Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
252.900 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
354.300 - BEEFEATER ECM Range
264.700 - Poinsett Range Control
269.000 - Gamecock D MOA

SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
301.000 - South TACTS Range Discrete
350.000 - South 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
BOLT 43 (KC-135, 6 ARW)
CARDFILE 712 (P-3C, USN)
INDY 81 (KC-135, 434 ARW)
KING 21 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
LOCKHEED 99 (C-5M)
NAVY AX 986
NAVY LL 99 (P-3C, VP-30)
PISTON 12 (KC-135, 6 ARW)
TARBOX 01 (F/A-18C, VFA-136)
WAFER 21 (P-3C, USN)

364.200 - NORAD AICC
311.000 - ACC CP
310.200 - NAS Jacksonville Base Ops
271.400 - Sea Control Wing Atlantic Base
8.971 USB - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
277.800 - USN Fleet Common
324.600 - AR-207
348.900 - AR-600
228.225 - ANGEL OPS, Moody AFB
278.800 - Moody MOA
143.000 - 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@comcast.net

QSL Card from CO8LY

2008-08-16T19:42:00.005-04:00

In today's mail I received a QSL card from CO8LY, Eduardo Cremati, from Cuba. Eduardo was my first DX contact on 6 Meters, coming within days of getting my 6 meter equipment on the air.

Many thanks to Eduardo, and to his QSL Manager EA7ADH, Francisco.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Tropical Storm Fay

2008-08-15T18:44:00.005-04:00

Tropical Storm Fay has formed and is currently over the Dominican Republic. This is a storm that those of us here in the Coastal Georgia area will want to pay attention to. The predicted path of the storm from the National Hurricane Center and the United States Navy Maritime Forecast Center currently shows Fay moving NNW over Cuba then NW up the west coast of Florida into the Gainesville, FL area by 20 August 2008. Please note that this patch could change at any time. The map below is from the National Hurricane Center:

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Amateur Radio Club of Savannah 2 Meter Net, 14 August 2008

2008-08-15T09:29:00.003-04:00

We had a great ARCS Thursday Night Net last night! We had 20 check-ins including myself as net control; that's the highest number of check-in's I've had on my turn at net control in quite awhile. The net went for 40 minutes with a lot of good announcements and good comments from those assembled. Those checking in were:

N3TTE - Joe, visiting from Pittsburgh
KB3LZQ - Mary Anne, visiting from Pittsburgh
AF4KL
NC5S
N4CVF
WD4FIH
WD4AFY
W4WTO
WD0GFG
KA4CID
KD4PDX
KF4RFF
KF4MND
KT4RW
K4GTM
KJ4EGZ
KF4OLM
KG4YYY
N1JFI
KF4LMT - Net Control

One announcement bears repeating here on the blog. Dan, KF4MND, is looking into putting a crossband repeater in the Richmond Hill area to link the Savannah area into his Echolink node, with the ultimate objective being to stretch Echolink up the I-16 corridor. If you are interested in assisting Dan or have some ideas for him, contact him at kf4mnd@alltel.net

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Severe Weather Possible Tomorrow

2008-08-12T17:35:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow may be a good day for amateur radio operators, particularly Skywarn trained hams to monitor repeaters such as the 146.970- and 146.745- (PL 97.4) repeaters. The weather forecast for Wednesday, 13 August 2008 calls for the possibility of severe thunderstorms with damaging wind and heavy rain. Winds could increase up to 23 mph and new rain amounts could be 1 to 1 3/4 inches. Pat Prokop with WTOC advised that the possibility for tornadoes also exists tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be a time to remain vigilant and keep an ear tuned to the radios.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Southeast Geogia 6 Meter Ragchew Net - 11 Aug 2008

2008-08-12T17:27:00.005-04:00

Overall, the Southeast Georgia 6 Meter net is going well. We've been averaging 6 to 8 check-ins per week since we've started.

Last night, the net used the secondary frequency of 50.200 USB instead of the primary 50.130 due to some of the big-gun east coast stations working some west coast multihop E skip (unfortunately, I couldn't hear the west coast station, just the northeast coast stations!). Because of the frequency change, it seemed as if there was going to be slim pickings. Luckily, just as I was getting ready to close the net we had 4 more check-ins, which brought our total to 8. This week's check-ins were:

AF4KL
WD0GFG
K4GTM
KD4PDX
W4REQ
KJ4EGZ
W4JKG
KF4LMT - Net Control

All amateur radio operators with 6 meter privileges are invited to join us each Monday night at 9 PM Eastern Standard Time. We make relay calls for check ins, so even if you don't hear net control, hang around and you might hear one of the relay stations.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Turks and Caicos QSL Card

2008-08-10T20:31:00.002-04:00

I received this QSL card the other day from VP5/WB2REM. I worked him on 6 Meters on 03 July 2008 while he was on Providenciales Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands (Grid Square FL 31). Makes you want to be there, doesn't it!?

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT

kf4lmt@comcast.net

Problems with the FT-897D/AT-897 Combination

2008-08-06T16:53:00.004-04:00

Over the weekend I decided to try out the small amount of spectrum that I have access to in the 10 Meter band as a Technician Class licensee. I ran some feedline down the hallway to the connection for the G5RV my father uses for his TS-140 and IC-703 and connected up to the LDG AT-897 antenna tuner I purchased for the Yeasu FT-897D.

At first everything seemed to work just fine, the AT-897 tuned everything up just fine. After several transmissions, however, the AT-897 would make a clicking noise and the SWR would shoot up too high to continue transmitting. The FT-897D/AT-897 combination is connected to a ground rod outside the window next to my operating position, so RF ground didn't seem to be the problem.

On Monday, I sent a technical request to LDG Electronics via their website, receiving a response from them in a couple of hours even though I had labeled by request non-urgent in nature; Repair Technician James Skaar sent me an email explaining that I was probably picking RF through the DC power cord. A trip to Radio Shack the next morning yielded a couple of large snap-on RF chokes for the DC Power Cord and a couple of smaller ones for the Y-ACC and CAT cables. Putting the chokes on didn't take more than a couple of minutes. Initial testing seems to indicate that the problem is solved, I'll find out for sure once I upgrade to General and do more HF work.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

New Savannah Approach/Departure UHF Frequency?

2008-08-06T16:44:00.003-04:00

Over the last two days, I've heard a new UHF frequency in use by Savannah Approach/Departure Control. 244.875 has been heard in use by aircraft coming back to Savannah and Beaufort area from the offshore training areas, Townsend Range, and the Coastal MOA.

It seems to have replaced 380.025. For instance, where aircraft going from Beaufort to Townsend would go from 387.100 to 380.025 to 228.400, they now use 387.100 to 244.875 to 228.400. Fighters coming toward Savannah from the offshore warning areas, go from 284.500 to 244.875 instead of 284.500 to 380.025.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

20th Fighter Wing Air-to-Air Changes

2008-08-06T16:18:00.002-04:00

Late in July, I posted about the change of Shaw AFB's VHF SOF frequency. For the last few weeks, I have been intermittently tracking changes in Shaw's 20th Fighter Wing air-to-air frequencies. Unfortunately my schedule hasn't let me identify a lot of the changes I have noted that the 55th Fighter Squadron and the 79th Fighter Squadron have been using new air-to-air frequencies:

138.100 - 55th FS air-to-air
141.650 - 55th FS air-to-air
142.400 - 55th FS air-to-air

139.925 - 79th FS air-to-air (previously used by 77th FS)
141.550 - 79th FS air-to-air

It will take some time monitoring these frequencies to determine preset numbers. If anyone happens to hear any preset numbers for the above or if you hear any other new air-to-air frequencies for the 20th FW, please pass them on.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Port Wentworth National Night Out

2008-08-05T19:57:00.007-04:00

This evening I took my nephew Kaleb out to the Port Wentworth National Night Out at the Port Wentworth Gym. He really enjoyed getting to see all the apparatus and equipment that was on display (as well as getting all the "free stuff" as he calls it!).

I too enjoyed getting to see some of the equipment, particularly the Customs Mobile VACIS, the radiation truck and a close up view of a USCG 25' Response boat (255059).

Customs Mobile VACIS, used to X-Ray Containers

Customs Radiation Truck, checks containers for radioactivity

USCG 25' Response Boat (255059)

The Coast Guard showing my nephew around 255059

Port Wenworth FD's new Engine 42

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT

kf4lmt@comcast.net

It’s Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) Time Again!

2008-08-03T07:19:00.003-04:00

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 18th and 19th, 2008.

Time: Approximately 10 AM Saturday 8 AM Sunday, depending on the level of activity and interest.

Where: Co-sited with the Coastal Empire Council’s Camporee at the racetrack. (I think they mean Oglethorpe Speedway, I will make sure and post as soon as possible).

Why No. 1: Scouts can earn credit towards various awards for all age groups. Boy Scouts can make substantial progress towards earning their Radio Merit Badge by participating in the event. Attractive event patches can also be ordered at the event.

Why No. 2: Its fun!!! Scouts will have an opportunity to communicate with other Scouts in the United States and the world via Ham Radio and Echolink (an internet radio communications protocol). The Scouts will also learn how to build and erect emergency antennas, solder, pass messages, learn about Morse Code, and other communications skills that can come in handy during significant emergencies.

Cost: A small charge per scout (less than $5.00) may be levied to help defray costs. Event patches typically cost $4.00 each.

Who to Contact: Amateur Radio Operators (HAMS) from local clubs will organize the event. Contact Philip Neidlinger, JOTA Chair, Amateur Callsign KA4KOE, at ka4koe@arrl.net.

Last year I was able to attend the JOTA briefly after work: http://kf4lmt.blogspot.com/2007/10/jamboree-on-air.html

I really enjoyed the brief time I spent and plan on taking some time off so that I can volunteer more for it this year. Last year's event saw 50 Boy Scouts attend and 25 amateur radio operators volunteer. I encourage you to contact Philip and volunteer for this event.

Mac

6 Meter E's Into Canda

2008-08-03T00:30:00.004-04:00

6 Meters was open from the southeast United States into Ontario, Canada during the afternoon and evening of Saturday, August 2, 2008. I worked three stations in Ontario (2 in FN03 and 1 in FN04) during some casual operating:

VE3VII
VA3TLS
VE3KZL

I worked Tom, VE3VII twice. I really enjoyed the first QSO, as we talked for a few minutes about NASCAR and motorsports while we were watching the NASCAR Nationwide race in Montreal. Later in the evening, after helping W4REQ demonstrate amateur radio to his neighbors, Tom heard me again and we spoke for a few more minutes.

6 Meters was also briefly open into the Caribbean yesterday afternoon. I worked Eduardo, C08LY again on 50.125. Unfortunately, the band did not stay open in that direction very long. Eduardo faded quickly and I didn't hear any other Caribbean stations while tuning above 50.125 USB or in the DX Window below 50.125 USB.

All in all, 6 Meters was open to some degree for most of the day. I experienced a lot of QSB (fading) and noise (possibly from some storms in South Carolina) today, but I can't complain. I had QSOs and put some stations in the logbook, so it was a definitely a good radio day.

In addition to the amateur radio activity today, it was also a pretty good scanning day. A C-5M, LOCKHEED 99, worked in SEALORD's area. A couple of MH-60s from 3-160 SOAR at Hunter also went out to the offshore training areas, talking to SEALORD on 284.500. Given that it was a nice summer weekend, the USCG and USCG Auxiliary were also quite active on 157.050 (Marine VHF Ch. 21)

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Military Monitoring Recap; 15-31 July 2008

2008-08-03T00:25:00.002-04:00

Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
51.050 - Helicopter Common
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
32.350 - 3-3 AVN SHARK OPS"
77,725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
242.400 - B-169 AVN air-to-air
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops

ARMY 25294 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 25297 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57012 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57013 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75502 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75503 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75504 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75505 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75506 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75507 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75516 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 03746 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03747 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03749 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03751 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03755 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03756 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26350 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26366 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26408 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26417 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26961 (MH-60L, 160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 296 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
COAST GUARD 6553 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6560 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6581 (HH-65C, Savannah?)
TESTHAWK ## (H-60, OLR)
COAST GUARD 2005 (HC-130J)
CROSSBOW 51 (MV-22, VMMT-204)
CROSSBOW 62 (MV-22, VMMT-204)
GUARD 00332 (AH-64)
HANK 38 (C-130)
HUSTLER 404 (CH-53E, HMH-772)
JOSA 806
NAVY HN 420 (SH-60, HSL-42)
NAVY HQ 462 (SH-60, HSL-46)
NAVY LL 09 (P-3C, VP-30)
NAVY LL 37 (P-3C, VP-30)
PAT 929
PAT 945
RAVEN 61 (H-60)

Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
380.025 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
387.100 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165 AW CP
225.050 - 165 AW CP
237.000 - Savannah CRTC Ops
253.200 - Savannah CRTC Ops, 60th FS "CROW OPS"
293.300 - Savannah CRTC, 60th FS air-to-air
328.500 - Savannah CRTC, 60th FS air-to-air
363.900 - Savannah CRTC, 60th FS air-to-air
379.800 - Savannah CRTC, 60th FS air-to-air
234.500 - VFC-12 Tac
299.250 - VFC-12 Tac
374.300 - VFC-12 Tac
123.575 - Gulfstream Test

DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
DAWG 1# (C-130H, 165 AW)
DAWG 32 (C-130H, 165 A)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
EAGLE 0# (MD-500, Chatham Co.)
CHATHAM 0# (fixed wing, Chatham Co.)
AMBUSH ## (F/A-18, VFC-12)
ANGRY ## (F-15, 60 FS)
CROW ## (F-15, 60 FS)
SCAM ## (F-15, 60 FS)
KING 16 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
NAVY HN 420 (SH-60, HSL-42)
NAVY HN 431 (SH-60, HSL-42)
NAVY LA 05A (P-3C, VP-5)
PAT 168
INVADER JACK 251 (Lear 25, Phoenix Air)
INVADER JACK 341 (Lear 25, Phoenix Air)

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

MCAS Beaufort
251.700 - Approach/Departure
301.200 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
361.800 - VMFA-122 Base
251.300 - Old VMFA-122 Base (used for NIKEL Maint.)
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
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
376.425 - VMFA-251 Tac 3
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

NIKEL 3# (F/A-18C, VMFA-122)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18, VMFA-312)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
FOX 515 (UC-12, MCAS Beaufort)
TIGER 03 (unknown)

Charelston AFB
349.400 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
372.200 - PTD
344.600 - PMSV

GRITS ## (C-17, 437 AW/315 AW)
LIFTR ## (C-17, 437 AW/315 AW)
BOEING 24 (C-17, Depot Return)

Shaw AFB
381.300 - Shaw AFB CP
140.200 - Shaw AFB SOF
311.200 - 55th FS "SHOOTER OPS"
141.650 - 55th FS air-to-air
141.900 - 55th FS V8
142.400 - 55th FS V8
320.525 - 79th FS Ops
139.700 - 79th FS air-to-air
139.925 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.550 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.600 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.950 - 79th FS air-to-air

BRAG ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
COBRA ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
CUSTER ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
MISTY ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
TURBAN ## (F-16CJ, 55th FS)
BULL ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
HUNTER ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
JAGGER ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
MADCAT ## (F-16CJ, 79th FS)
SCAR ## (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
149.625 - 169th FW V19

MACE ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CJ, 169th FW)
HEAT ## (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
314.200 - 125th FW Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9

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

Robins AFB/JSTARS
225.925 - Robins ALC "EAGLE OPS"
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
228.050 - JSTARS Discrete
235.325 - JSTARS Discrete
276.075 - JSTARS Discrete
324.650 - JSTARS Discrete
328.025 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
376.125 - JSTARS Discrete
388.225 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
122.725 - JSTARS wkg N65306
123.450 - JSTARS wkg N65306

PEACH 33 (E-8C, 330th CTS Front End)
STARGATE (E-8C, 330th CTS Back End)
N65306 (working with JSTARS)

Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
252.900 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
354.300 - BEEFEATER ECM Range
264.700 - Poinsett Range Control
269.000 - Gamecock D MOA

SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
301.000 - South TACTS Range Discrete
350.000 - South TACTS Range Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
339.700 - Sealord Discrete
341.100 - Sealord Discrete

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

Miscellaneous
DARKSTAR (E-3 Back End, 965th ACCS)
DRAGNET (E-3 Back End, 966th ACCS)
FORCE 81 (KC-10, McGuire)
GREYHAWK ## (E-2C, VAW-120)
GRUMMAN 08 (E-2, Grumman St. Augustine)
INVADER JACK 173 (Lear, Phoenix Int'l)
LANCER 33 (P-3C?, VP-10?)
NAVY LN 451 (P-3C, VP-45)
OPEC 77 (KC-10, McGuire)
PELICAN 711 (P-3C, VP-45)
QUID 04 (KC-135)
RAWHIDE 02 (C-2, VRC-40)
SCOUT 16 (E-3 front end)
SENTRY 50 (E-3 Front End, 965th ACCS
TAZZ 73 (KC-135, 121 ARW)
THUMPER (E-3 Back End)
WHITE OWL 71 (P-3C, VP-5)

364.200 - NORAD AICC
228.900 - NORAD Discrete
270.200 - NORAD Discrete
303.100 - AWACS Discrete
306.000 - VP-30 Base
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
283.900 - AR-601
348.900 - AR-600
263.450 - Moody AFB PMSV
228.225 - ANGEL OPS, Moody AFB
278.800 - Moody MOA
143.150 - 23rd Wing air-to-air
361.100 - VMMT-204 air-to-air
8.188 USB - JTFEX Net
303.100 - JTFEX
323.900 - JTFEX
341.275 - JTFEX

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
335.650 - Atlanta Center

255.400 - Flight Service

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

XE2WWW's QSL Card

2008-08-02T19:16:00.002-04:00

Back on 01 July 2008, I worked Jorge, XE2WWW on 50.122 USB. Being my first Mexico contact, I sent Jorge a QSL card to confirm the QSO. Yesterday, I received a terrific bi-fold card back from Jorge. The outside of the card features the Mexican flag, historic Mexican scenery, and Jorge's antennas. As a military aviation enthusiast, the inside really caught my attention; it features a Mexican Air Force World War II squadron - Escuadron 201.

As soon as I got the chance, I looked up Escuadron 201 on the internet and found it to have an interesting history. Formed in response to Nazi attacks on Mexican shipping, the squadron fought with the US Army Air Force in the Phillipines. For more information, see it's wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escuadr%C3%B3n_201

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT

kf4lmt@comcast.net

Chatham County Commission Approves Upgrade to Critical Siren Warning System

2008-07-30T19:41:00.001-04:00

Chatgham County Emergency Management Agency
Savannah, GA – July 25, 2008

Today, the Chatham County Commission voted unanimously to approve the purchase and installation of 33 additional outdoor emergency warning sirens that will provide more than 90 percent of Chatham County with siren coverage.

The 33 new sirens, at a cost of $690,000, will replace eight old, outdated sirens and add 25 new sirens to the County inventory. Not only will the new sirens extend the existing coverage, but they will also allow for selective activation that was previously prohibited.

Chatham Emergency Management Agency Director Clayton Scott stated, “The approval of this program reinforces the dedication of the County Commission to public safety. The sirens will be installed where people are most likely to gather for outdoor activities and we’ll now have the ability to limit siren activation to only those areas of the county that are threatened.”

When activated they have a continuous wail for two minutes. This warning sound indicates that people should immediately go inside and turn on a radio or television for instructions. The warnings are primarily for tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, fires or extremely severe weather.

The sirens the county uses comply with a federally endorsed (FEMA CPG-1-17) audible range of two miles; this is the accepted standard and no electronic sirens currently exceed this range. The sirens have a rotating cabinet with four independently powered speakers that each transmits up to a range of two miles in diameter; if one speaker fails to transmit, the others continue to operate.

For additional information regarding the Chatham County emergency warning sirens, please contact CEMA at 912-201-4500 or visit their website at www.ChathamEmergency.org.

P25 at 165th Airlift Wing

2008-07-30T19:38:00.004-04:00

This afternoon while traveling past the Savannah International Airport, I heard unencrypted P25 voice on 165.0125, the 165th Airlift Wing aircraft maintenance net. I'll be listening to see if other 165th AW land mobile frequencies go P25 as well.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Shaw AFB SOF Frequency Change

2008-07-30T19:35:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I noted a change in the Shaw AFB SOF (Supervisor of Flying) frequency. Several 79th Fighter Squadron flights were working the SOF on 140.200 (AM) in reference to a weather recall.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

Southeast Georgia 6 Meter Ragchew Net Returns

2008-07-29T16:52:00.004-04:00

Last night, a group of amateur radio operators here in the Savannah area re-started the Southeast Georgia 6 Meter Ragchew Net. The net will meet each Monday night at 9 PM Eastern Standard Time. The primary frequency, for the time being, is 50.130 USB. Given the proximity to the calling frequency of 50.125 USB, this will likely be changed in the near future. The secondary net frequency, for use when the primary is occupied or unworkable is 50.200 USB.

Counting net control, there were seven stations checked in for last night's first attempt at re-starting the net. I handled net control duties, with the other stations checked in making relay calls for check ins. A variety of antenna types were represented, so I utilized both the JTB4 vertical and the MFJ-1764 dipole to pull everyone in. The check-ins for this first net were:

W4JKG
KD4PDX
K4GTM
W4REQ
K4YGD
WD0GFG
KF4LMT ~ Net Control

The Southeast Georgia 6 Meter Ragchew Net was WD0GFG's first 6 meter contact, one we were happy to provide!

One purpose of the net is to encourage the use of the 6 meter band in the southeast Georgia area, this was realized when several stations stayed on the air after the net conversing. Hopefully, as the net becomes established we will bring in more stations and generate some good activity on 6 meters here in southeast Georgia.

Thanks to the stations that checked in and made our inaugural net a success.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net

60th Fighter Squadron at the Savannah CRTC

2008-07-26T22:17:00.004-04:00

F-15s of the 60th Fighter Squadron from Eglin AFB arrived at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center at the Savannah International Airport this afternoon.

Arriving in two and four ship flights, they were using the callsigns ANGRY 5# and CROW 6#. Each flight checked in with CROW OPS on 253.200 (one of the CRTC Ops frequencies) just prior to arrival. A squadron maintenance net was also noted on 149.4875 NFM. Two of the flights were using CRTC discrete frequencies for air-to-air communications: CROW 61/62 were using 293.300 and CROW 63-66 were using 363.900.

Note: The VFC-12 F/A-18s are still at the CRTC as of Saturday afternoon.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net