Milcom Monitoring Post

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Monday, January 24, 2011

NRO Shuttle Launched Stealth Geostationary Satellite Revealed

Ted Molczan recently completed research into the identity of an unknown GEO objects, 2000-653A /90007 - discovered by Ed Cannon in 1998. Ted concluded that it is a highly classified U.S. satellite called Prowler. The abstract and URL of the report on his findings follow.

Ted wrote on the SESSAT-L newsgroup: "Space Shuttle mission STS 38 is officially acknowledged to have deployed only a single payload, which is known to be a geosynchronous communications satellite, operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. It has since leaked out that STS 38 deployed a second payload: an optically
stealthy, geosynchronous satellite inspector, named Prowler.

"In 1998, hobbyists discovered a bright unknown GEO object, with optical and orbital characteristics of a satellite, which they call 2000-653A / 90007. By early 2010, independent GEO satellite observation networks had accounted for every single GEO satellite acknowledged to have been launched, yet 2000-653A remained unidentified. Analysis of its optical and orbital characteristics, and other relevant facts, reveals great consistency with the emerging Prowler story, resulting in a strong circumstantial case that 2000-653A is Prowler."

You can read Ted's complete report at http://satobs.org/seesat_ref/STS_38/Unknown_GEO_Object_2000-653A_-_90007_Identified_as_Prowler.pdf

USA 224 Mil Recon Satellite Intercept

Our friend Paul Marsh, M0EYT, has posted up an FFT screenshot from a pass over his UK location od USA 224/NROL-49. The advanced KH-11 (KH-12) recon milsat uses a SGLS downlink on a center frequency of 2242.518~MHz (SGLS channel 9). Paul says the signal is pretty strong, and it also has PSK sidebands +/- 1.024 MHz from the carrier. You can view his FFT at http://pjm.dyndns.org/sdr/usa224a.jpg

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Milcom Blog Logs - 22 Jan 2011 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3299.0 HF-USB
0104Z - Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S1 net: AFF4EC
0204Z - AFF4TN NCS for the Air Force Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4TNS1 net: AFE4TN / AFA4DO / AFA4BW / AFA4GJ / AFA5KG / AFA4QE / AFA4MZ

3308.0 HF-USB
0105Z - AFA5EC NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCECM1 net: AFA5LJ / AFA5LG
0205Z - AFN7NC NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFA5WE

3317.5 HF-USB
0131Z - NNN0SVW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0THC / NNN0PQX / NNN0QGR

3325.0 HF-USB
0130Z - NNN0BOK NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net: NNN0IEA
2330Z - NNN0XZK NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D3B net: NNN0QGB / NNN0TUL

3390.0 HF-USB
0107Z - Navy/MC Region 5 MARS 5X1B net: NNN0KQE
0206Z - NNN0EAF NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0YTR

4002.9 HF-LSB
0001Z - AAA4AL NCS for the Army Region 4 Alabama MARS AAA4AL/A net

4007.0 HF-USB
0031Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0XYA

4011.0 HF-USB
0003Z - NNN0AHH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net: NNN0AFW / NNN0HPU
1404Z - NNN0AS74 NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 MARS 7X3C net: NNN0ASF / NNN0ABL-T

4013.5 HF-USB
0004Z - NNN0BTG NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0XPU

4040.9 HF-USB
1412Z - Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6LS / AAR6OA

4035.9 HF-USB
0109Z - AAR7DP NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAM7TIA
0202Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAR7DZ
1403Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAA7KS / AAM7TIA / AAT7CN / AAM7EMO / AAM7MO

4038.5 HF-USB
0005Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Florida MARS 4C3B net: NNN0AFF / NNN0EAF
0201Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0AOC

4041.0 HF-USB
0032Z - NNN0KQE NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N5B net: NNN0FKW / NNN0GLG

4506.0 HF-USB
0001Z - MO-CAP-10 NCS for the North Central Region Missouri "MO-CAP" CAP net

4517.0 HF-USB
1401Z - AFF5MN NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5MNS1 net: AFA7HZ

4603.0 HF-USB
[02:23:14][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8FEM ][AL0] BER 14 SN 04

4604.0 HF-USB
0030Z - Red-Fox-17 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red_Fox" CAP net
0100Z - Great Lakes Region Wisconsin "Blue-Mound" CAP net: Bluemound-04
0200Z - Red-Robin-898 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Michigan "Red-Robin" CAP net

4721.0 HF-USB
[07:03:48][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06
[10:52:58][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 05
[11:34:19][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06

5402.0 HF-USB
[13:46:33][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 9 SN 05

6809.0 HF-USB
[14:46:07][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 04

7302.0 HF-USB
1503Z - AFA6CF NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M4 net: AFF6TX

7348.0 HF-USB
[13:50:55][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC4FEM ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06

7457.0 HF-USB
1402Z - AFA4WJ NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFF4AL

8050.0 HF-USB
[15:45:43][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 11 SN 04

9462.0 HF-USB
[15:56:54][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC0FEM ][AL0] BER 11 SN 04
[16:57:04][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC0 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 07
[17:13:11][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC0 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05
[17:33:12][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FR5 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 07
[17:38:57][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8FEM ][AL0] BER 19 SN 07

10194.0 HF-USB
1638Z - Link-11 data transmission

14405.0 HF-USB
1602Z - AFA3LK calz for "ANY Station" on the Transcon Mission Support Net: (sounded like) AFA9VW responded

18594.0 HF-USB
[18:54:42][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][719 ][AL0] BER 19 SN 07

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Complete USAF Thunderbirds Air Show Video Performance

If you have never attended a United States Air Force Thunderbirds air show performance and wonder what one is like, check out the one hour long You Tube video below. It was shot at the 2009 AirPower Over Hampton Roads air show performance by the team. It is excellent and very well done by airshowfansh.

I will also place a link to this video in the air show reference section of this blog for future reference.

Delta IV Heavy NROL-49 Launch Highlights

And the latest from Ted Molzcan and the SEESAT-L:

Bob Christy has just reported two more radio observations, that are in excellent agreement with the elset I posted a short time ago.

Here is an update taking into account the new data:

USA 224 239 X 1005 km
1 72001U 11020.92423333 .00010870 00000-0 70000-4 0 03
2 72001 97.9000 135.1542 0547001 257.2536 95.0499 14.81439185 05
Arc 201101210-0122.57 WRMS resid 0.367 totl 0.133 xtrk

This should still be considered approximate, but I am beginning to be more confident of the argument of perigee.

When I am more certain of the solution, I will use the official designations: 11002A / 37348. Years ago, I used the official designations for my initial estimates, which often proved to be seriously incorrect, but they still ended up in various archives, creating potential confusion for later analysts, not familiar with the history. Using non-descript IDs like 72001 reduces the risk of that problem, at the expense of being a temporary nuisance for most users.

Final comment: if the latest elements are correct, then our Southern Hemisphere colleagues probably will not be able to make visual observations, due to the passes entering eclipse soon after they rise above the horizon.

Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Enters 6th Fleet

The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) leads the ships of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87) underway in the Atlantic Ocean. Embarked aboard Enterprise are the eight squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anna Wade/Released)

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Stephen M. White, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The ships and embarked squadrons from the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) entered U.S. 6th Fleet's Area of Responsibility (AOR) Jan. 20.

This milestone marks the culmination of more than two years of work for thousands of Sailors aboard the world's oldest, largest and first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

USS Enterprise (CVN 65), CSG 12, Destroyer Squadron 2, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and USS Mason (DDG 87) and the eight squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 entered the AOR, an imaginary line that transfers operational tasking authority for the CSG from U.S. 2nd Fleet.

While in the area, the Enterprise CSG will conduct the full range of maritime operations and theater security cooperation efforts in concert with coalition, joint, interagency and other partners in order to improve maritime safety and security.

"We already have an extensive schedule of operations and exercises with our maritime partners throughout the region," said Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft, commander, Enterprise CSG. "The Mediterranean Sea is a critical sea lane in our global economy and remains secure because of the strong relationships between the navies that operate in the area."

Operating with allied navies and building upon already strong relationships is a key tenant in the Maritime Strategy. Also key to building such relationships is developing our Sailors and Marines to better understand the cultures, history and languages of the region, according to Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, commanding officer of Enterprise.

"We have trained hard to get to this day and now look forward to learning from and building upon the relationships of our maritime allies in the area," Mewbourne said. "This team of Sailors and Marines has honed its skills at sea, but is also looking forward to experiencing the culture and history of this beautiful part of the world."

This deployment, the 21st for the carrier since its commissioning in 1961, also marks the first deployment of the centennial year of naval aviation.

"For 100 years, we have operated aircraft from the decks of warships. It's appropriate that our most accomplished active aircraft carrier is the first to deploy this year," Kraft said.

Following its mission in 6th Fleet, the CSG is scheduled to operate in the 5th Fleet AOR to support maritime security operations (MSO) and theater security cooperation efforts.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

First Delta IV Heavy launches from Vandenberg AFB

Blog Ed Note: According to a tweet fom Bob Christie NROL-49's official name on orbit is USA 224, carries and International Designator 2011-002A and Satellite/NORAD Catalog No. 37348.

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- A Delta IV Heavy Launch Vehicle was launched from here Jan. 20.

It was the first Delta IV HLV to be launched from the West Coast of the U.S., and it carried a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.

"The teamwork between the 30th Space Wing, the National Reconnaissance Office, United Launch Alliance and numerous other agencies was outstanding for our first-ever Delta IV HLV from Vandenberg Air Force Base," said Col. Keith Balts, the 30th Space Wing vice commander and launch decision authority. "I'm very proud to be part of the team who worked so hard to make this mission a success."

The Delta IV HLV launched from here is 235 feet tall and produced 2 million pounds of thrust.

More details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-224

Thunderbirds airshow practice with publicity camera plane following

L. Champion has posted some interesting photos of the T-Birds practicing for the upcoming air show season at http://panoramio.com/photo/46685742

Remember that the new Monitoring Times air show guide will be on the newstands in a little over a month. Better yet, if you want to assure your copy of this popular annual guide get your own subscription in either print or electronic format. This year's guide has been completely revamped and new frequency information will be published for the first time ever. This is a must not miss issue of MT.

Go to the Monitoring Times website for more details.

Satellite repositioning to boost GPS accuracy

Government Security News website story by Mark Rockwell

The US Air Force has repositioned six satellites to boost global positioning accuracy for civilian and military use worldwide.

The 50th Space Wing, part of the Air Force Space Command said Jan. 19 it completed the first of two phases in an expansion of a Global Positioning System satellite constellation. When fully complete, the "Expandable 24" operation will increase global GPS coverage and provide civil, military and commercial GPS users with more robust satellite availability and a higher probability of signal acquisition in terrain challenged environments, said the wing.

The GPS constellation consists of 24 operational slots positioned within six equally-spaced orbital planes surrounding the earth, according to the Space Wing. The plane/slot scheme and enhanced satellite placement ensure GPS users receive the most accurate navigation data at any time, at any place around the world, it said.

“Expandable 24” is a US Strategic Command-directed initiative, executed by the wing, specifically the 2nd Space Operations Squadron, to reposition six satellites in the current GPS constellation, said a statement from the Strategic Command. “Given the strength and number of satellites in the current constellation, Air Force Space Command [AFSPC] was in a unique position to enact this revolutionary strategy to benefit global users. AFSPC acted on this opportunity to increase the robustness of satellite availability by expanding three of the baseline 24 constellation slots,” it said.

Phase one of Expandable-24 began Jan. 13, 2010 when three GPS satellites were repositioned, one of which took 351 days to maneuver. The last of the satellites completed repositioning on Jan. 18, 2011, it said.

Phase two of Expandable-24 began in August 2010 and is expected to be complete in June 2011. During Phase two, three more GPS satellites will be repositioned. When complete, the GPS constellation will attain the most optimal geometry in its 42 year history, maximizing GPS coverage for all users, it said.

"Our primary focus is to execute flawless operations to maintain GPS as the world's gold standard for positioning, navigation, and timing," said Lt. Col. Mike Manor, director of operations for the 2nd Space Operations Squadron. "By repositioning a handful of our satellites to optimize their locations in space, we’ve not only improved the accuracy for military users in disadvantaged terrain like Afghanistan, but also improved the accuracy for all GPS users worldwide."

USS George H.W. Bush Strike Group Underway for COMPTUEX/JTFEX

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departs Naval Station Norfolk for combat training unit exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment. George H.W. Bush will embark on its first deployment in May 2011. (U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian M. Brooks/Released)

Blog Ed Note: The Busg CSG will be in the VaCapes Opareas for several more days before moving south into the JAX Opareas.

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua D. Sheppard, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- George H.W. Bush Strike Group departed for its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX), Jan. 19.

COMPTUEX and JTFEX are the final evolutions that must take place before USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is certified for major combat operations.

"This is a great moment for this strike group and USS George H.W. Bush," said Rear Adm. Nora Tyson, GHWB Strike Group commander. "COMPTUEX is a critical step in our journey toward deployment, and I could not be more proud to be going to sea with these talented and dedicated Sailors."

COMPTUEX places the GHWB Strike Group into a training scenario loosely based upon real-world geo-political conditions. The scenario will test the effectiveness of the individual strike group components, as well as how they interact in combined operations. Challenges include small boat attacks, mines, strait transits in hostile waters and aerial, surface and sub-surface threats.

Assessors from Strike Force Training Atlantic will observe these exercises, mentor strike group staff and leaders, and assess GHWB Strike Group's performance.

Upon successful completion of COMPTUEX, GHWB Strike Group will move directly into JTFEX, which serves as the strike group's final operational exam before being certified for overseas combat operations. JTFEX will build upon the scenarios of COMPTUEX, but will also test the interactions of GHWB Strike Group with other U.S. military and coalition partners.

"We will be working extensively with coalition ships from Spain, France and Canada during this exercise," said Tyson. "They are an integral part of our team, and we look forward to working with them now and during our first combat deployment later this year."

GHWB Strike Group assets participating in COMPTUEX/JTFEX include USS George H.W. Bush, USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Anzio (CG 68), the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, and the Spanish frigate ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbon (F 102). GHWB Strike Group is scheduled to depart on its first overseas deployment this spring.

==========================================

COMPTUEX, or Composite Training Unit Exercise, is a rehearsal each US Navy Carrier Battle Group performs before departing for deployment. Each ship and aircraft in the battle group trains in its speciality, COMPTUEX brings ships together to project force as a battle group. COMPTUEX is an intermediate level battle group exercise designed to forge together the battle group and its components into a fully functional fighting team. COMPTUEX is a critical part in the training pre-deployment.

Each Carrier Battle Group performs a rehearsal called Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) before departing for a six-month deployment. Over the previous several months, each ship and aircraft in the battle group has trained in its specialty. COMPTUEX brings ships together to project force as a battle group. COMPTUEX is an intermediate-level battle group exercise designed to forge the battle group into a cohesive, fighting team. It’s a critical step in the pre-deployment training cycle and a prerequisite for the battle group’s Joint Task Force Exercise.

COMPTUEX is normally conducted during a two-week to three-week period six to eight weeks before deployment. Successfully completion of COMTPUEX certifies the carrier and its air wing as qualified for open ocean operations. COMPTUEX consists of an 18 day schedule of even driven exercise which the follows with an 3 day Final Battle Problem. It's conducted and directed by the training carrier group commander and the focus is to bring together the carrier and it's air wing as a working team that can operate in a combat environment, as well as integrating with other assets of the battle group.

Milcom Blog Logs - 21 Jan 2011 - Baltimore MD

Friday, January 21, 2011

Milcom Blog Logs - 21 Jan 2011 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3234.5 HF-LSB
0103Z - AAR7AT NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAM7TIA
0301Z - AAM7MO NCS for the Army Region 7 Missouri MARS AAA7RD/MO net: AAM7EMO

3308.0 HF-USB
0206Z - Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFN7NC

3315.0 HF-USB
0104Z - AFA3AJ NCS for Air Force Region 3 MARS net

3317.5 HF-USB
0131Z - NNN0THC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0QGR

3320.5 HF-USB
0302Z - NNN0SBK NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 Colorado / Wyoming MARS 8C1B net: NNN0RPM / NNN0ANH / NNN0FVN

3325.0 HF-USB
0004Z - NNN0AMY NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net: NNN0BQT / NNN0APJ / NNN0ABL-T / NNN0GXA / NNN0ULT
0131Z - NNN0GAQ-24 NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B5C net: NNN0SCX-T
2333Z - NNN0XZK NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D3B net: NNN0AMY / NNN0YGW / NNN0ULT / NNN0TUL / NNN0IBG / NNN0AJD

3370.5 HF-USB
0209Z - AFA6DV NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net: AFA6CZ / AFA6CM / AFA6CW / AFA6HK / AFA6KJ

3384.0 HF-USB
0109Z - Link-11 data transmission

3390.0 HF-USB
0109Z - NNN0GKQ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 MARS 5X1B net: NNN0QGR / AAM5IMI / NNN0BDW
0207Z - NNN0XPU NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0RBD

4002.9 HF-LSB
0205Z - AAA4MS NCS for the Army Region 4 Mississippi MARS AAA4MS/A net

4007.0 HF-USB
0034Z - NNN0SXU NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0AFU
1402Z - NNN0XBO NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 Montana MARS 8M1B net: NNN0AHM

4011.0 HF-USB
0003Z - Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net: NNN0TWA / NNN0HPU / NNN0AFW
1404Z - Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D1C net: NNN0YGW

4013.5 HF-USB
0002Z - NNN0ZEI NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0YTR
1406Z - Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X1B net: NNN0SDL / NNN0YTR

4017.9 HF-USB
1406Z - AAA8CO NCS for the Army Region 8 MARS AAA8RD/U net: AAR8ME / AAA8UT / AAR8PF / AAM8ND // chatter about 2 nets on Friday, 1st net @ 1400Z & 2nd net @ 1500Z - no net @ 1300Z as is listed //
1501Z - Army Region 8 MARS AAA8RD/? net: AAR8RE

4023.9 HF-USB
1416Z - Army Region 5 Illinois MARS AAA5RD/IL net in Olivia: AAM5AIL / AAM5RD

4035.9 HF-USB
0102Z - AAR7AT NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAM7TIA // QSY KBO LSB
1406Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAR7DZ

4038.5 HF-USB
0202Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0TBK / NNN0PCC
0300Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0SYH

4469.0 HF-USB
0111Z - Southeast Region CAP net: Mockingbird-994

4470.5 HF-USB
0300Z - NNN0XFB NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 North / South Dakota MARS 8S1B net

4506.0 HF-USB
1400Z - Red-Cloud-355 NCS for the North Central Region Nebraska "Red-Cloud" CAP net: North-Central-41 / Red-Cloud-194 / Iowa-CAP-04
1432Z - Iowa-CAP-04 NCS for the North Central Region Iowa CAP net: Red-Cloud-194

4517.0 HF-USB
1401Z - AFN7NC NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFE7DM

4603.0 HF-USB
[00:45:19][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC1 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06

4604.0 HF-USB
0030Z - Red-Fox-17 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red_Fox" CAP net
1430Z - Red-Fox-17 NCS for the Great Lakes "Blue Lake" Region CAP net
2330Z - Columbus-04 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Ohio "Columbus" CAP net

5004.5 HF-USB
1501Z - NNN0ENS NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X2B net

6721.0 HF-USB
[11:57:52][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06
[13:13:12][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][180221 ][AL0] BER 16 SN 08

6739.0 HF-USB
0049Z - Mandatory (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) calz Mainsail & conducts test count

7302.0 HF-USB
1418Z - AFF6RM NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M1 net

7348.0 HF-USB
[15:23:32][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FR5FEM ][AL0] BER 16 SN 05
[15:45:52][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06

7457.0 HF-USB
1416Z - AFF4MS NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net

7635.0 HF-USB
1503Z - Middle-East-34 NCS for the National CAP net: Louisiana-30 / Mockingbird-04 / Head-CAP-58

8992.0 HF-USB
0049Z - Mandatory (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) calz Mainsail & conducts test count

10194.0 HF-USB
1924Z - Link-11

11181.0 HF-USB
[21:09:43][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 16 SN 07

13993.0 HF-USB
1600Z - AFA1FF NCS for the TRANSCON HF Voice Net: AFA4GJ / AFA1MJ / AFA7KV / AFA2LK / AFA2DG / AFA1PZ / AFA4BW / AFA7JC / AFA9VW

USS Scranton Deploys

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Los Angeles fast-attack submarine USS Scranton (SSN 756) departed on a regularly scheduled six-month deployment from Naval Station Norfolk (NSN) Jan. 21.

Homeported in Norfolk, the submarine will deploy to the European Command Area of Responsibility (AOR) where it will support the Maritime Strategy through maritime security operations.

Nicknamed the "Iron Horse," Scranton is commanded by Cmdr. Paul A. Whitescarver.

"In my opinion there is not a finer or harder working submarine crew on the waterfront than the men of the 'Iron Horse,'" said Whitescarver. "They have made their country proud in the effort given to put their ship in line on the tip of the spear. We are ready to receive tasking from the European Combatant Commander and are eager to prove our metal. We will be on track, on time and on target.

"I feel confident in saying that our biggest asset will be the support of our families at home. With the assistance of the Fleet and Family Services Center and our parent command, Commander, Submarine Squadron 6, we've had great support in ensuring they are also prepared for our deployment," continued Whitescarver.

Fast-attack submarines like Scranton have multifaceted missions. They use their stealth, persistence, agility and firepower to deploy and support special force operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary's military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity and ensure undersea superiority.

Named after the city of Scranton, Penn., located in the Lackawanna River Valley, Scranton was built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company and was commissioned January 26, 1991. The 360-foot ship has a crew compliment of 16 officers and 122 enlisted Sailors, displaces 6,900 tons of water and can travel in excess of 20 knots while submerged.

Delta IV Launch

The first Delta IV Heavy Lift Vehicle launched from Vandenberg AFB, CA, Thursday.

An additional AP report and local television video are available at
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/01/20/rocket-with-secret-payload-largest-ever-launched-on-west-coast/

Milcom Blog Logs - 20 Jan 2011 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3299.0 HF-USB
0106Z - Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S1 net: AFA4BK

3308.0 HF-USB
0108Z - AFF7IA NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 7 Iowa MARS 7IAS1 net: AFA7HY / AFA5GR
0207Z - Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFA5GR / AFA7MU

3315.0 HF-USB
0006Z - Air Force Region 1 MARS NE2S1 net: AFA5MF

3317.5 HF-USB
0134Z - NNN0ABO NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0SVW

3325.0 HF-USB
0008Z - NNN0AMY NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net: NNN0APJ
0133Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net: NNN0ABM
2332Z - Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D3B net: NNN0POY

3341.0 HF-USB
[01:46:48][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06

3349.0 HF-USB
0104Z - NNN0SDD NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 East Texas MARS 6E1B net

3370.5 HF-USB
0210Z - AFA6IT NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net

3384.0 HF-USB
0009Z - Link-11 data transmission

3390.0 HF-USB
0105Z - NNN0QGR NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 MARS 5X1B net
0209Z - Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0BIF
0306Z - NNN0IIE NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0SYH

4007.0 HF-USB
0035Z - NNN0KZC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0SXU / NNN0XFB / NNN0XYA

4011.0 HF-USB
0001Z - NNN0HPU NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net: NNN0TWA / NNN0KUR / NNN0AAK
2337Z - NNN0FFN NCS for the Navy/ MC Region 2 Northern New York MARS 2J1B
net

4013.5 HF-USB
0002Z - NNN0VWV NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0XPU / NNN0BTG / NNN0BDW / NNN0YTR / NNN0BWS / NNN0YUD / NNN0LSO

4035.9 HF-USB
0103Z - AAM7IA NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAR7AL
0204Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAM7EMO / AAR7AT / AAA7IA
1407Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAA7MO

4038.5 HF-USB
0202Z - NNN0TBK NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: AAA9EC / NNN0ZUZ / NNN0LKA / NNN0HBJ / NNN0HEL / NNN0PCC / NNN0AOC / NNN0TWA
0302Z - NNN0IIE NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net

4041.0 HF-USB
0033Z - NNN0GBN-1 NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N6A net: NNN0GBN-10

4469.0 HF-USB
0100Z - Goldenrod-595 NCS for the Southeast Region Alabama "Goldenrod" CAP net: Goldenrod-181 / SouthEast-Cap-43 / Georgia-CAP-41 / Wildwood-8304

4470.5 HF-USB
0301Z - Navy/MC Region 8 North / South Dakota MARS 8S1B net: NNN0XFB

4517.0 HF-USB
1403Z - AFF7KS NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFN7NC / AFA5OZ

4603.0 HF-USB
[00:41:25][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC1FEM ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05
[22:55:01][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FR7FEM ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05

4604.0 HF-USB
2302Z - Kentucky-CAP-148 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Kentucky CAP net: Red-Fire-114 / Columbus-37 / Goldenrod-595
2330Z - Columbus-04 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Ohio "Columbus" CAP net

4623.5 HF-USB
0030Z - NNN0SCV NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I2B net: NNN0JJY

4627.0 HF-USB
0130Z - Wildwood-8304 NCS for the Southwest Region Arkansas "Wild-Wood" CAP net

4825.0 HF-USB
2302Z - NNN0AHH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X4B net: NNN0OIL

5004.5 HF-USB
1502Z - NNN0FWM NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X2B net: NNN0IVV

7302.0 HF-USB
1412Z - AFF6RM NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M1 net: AFA6BZ

7457.0 HF-USB
1410Z - AFA4HO NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFF4MS / AFA4EF

7635.0 HF-USB
1504Z - Middle-East-34 NCS for the National CAP net: Mockingbird-04 / Louisiana-30 / SouthEast-CAP-43 / Head-CAP-58 / Patriot-465

8992.0 HF-USB
2314Z - Blackhand or Backhand (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) calz Mainsail: Andrews (HF-GCS) w/ OM & Puerto Rico (HF-GCS) w/ YL respond: Puerto Rico QSY to 11175
2323Z - Blackhand or Backhand (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) w/ Puerto Rico (HF-GCS) rqst pp to DSN 271-7190 - Bankroll can not hear Blackhand or Backhand & Puerto Rico offers to relay; _____ Equalize on RF17; transmission lost Puerto Rico instructs to QSY 13200 (no joy qth)

9025.0 HF-USB
[04:37:59][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[06:08:11][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[09:00:17][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][PLA ][AL0] BER 17 SN 05
[09:08:35][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 15 SN 07
[10:38:47][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 18 SN 07

11175.0 HF-USB
2321Z - Blackhand or Backhand (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) w/ Puerto Rico (HF-GCS) QSY 8992

11238.0 HF-USB
[14:51:15][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ALN ][AL0] BER 10 SN 04
[15:30:06][CHN 01][TO ][GWO ][TIS][MCK ][AL0] BER 11 SN 04
[15:38:16][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCK ][AL0] BER 15 SN 04

12103.0 HF-USB
[19:02:27][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ALN ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05

15016.0 HF-USB
1728Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 20 character EAM JGG2LR to All Stations
1730Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 20 character EAM JGG2LR; followed by "more to follow, stand-by" statement preceding 28 character EAM G2ICHM
1800Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) starts to repeat 28 character EAM G2ICHM prior to interrupting transmission w/ statement: "disregard this transmission, de Andrews out"

Milcom Blog Logs - 20 Jan 2011 - Baltimore MD

Ron Perron checks in with some Milair logs form his Baltimore MD monitoring post.

ACY-Atlantic City NJ
ADW- Andrews AFB MD
BW- Bay Watch-NAS PAX Area Advisory Control
DAA- Davison AAF, Ft Belvoir VA
DCA- Reagan National Airport/CGAS Washington, Wash DC
DOV- Dover AFB DE
GK- Giantkiller (FACSFAC, Virginia Capes)
LFI- Langley AFB VA
MTN-Martin State Airport, Baltimore
NGTF-Northrop-Grumman Test Facility, Baltimore
NTPS- Naval Test Pilot School, PAX
NXX- Willow Grove JRB PA
PAX-NAS Patuxent River MD
PTC- Potomac Area TRACON
WRI-McGuire AFB NJ
ZBW-Boston ARTCC
ZDC- Washington ARTCC
ZNY- New York ARTCC

1. VHF/UHF: ((Times are EST))

0658- Acft 049 (no call noted-id as heavy)-land at DOV (132.425/126.35)
0726- Ascot ???? (number missed)-w/Langley CP (251.25) w/arrival msg.
0803- Marine 771 (UC-35 MAW-4 ADW)-depart ADW then w/PAX approach (120.05)
1055- Hawk 11 (unid-id as flt of 2)-w/ZNY Lancaster (270.3) then w/ZNY Phillipsburg (306.2) at FL 370.
1140- Guard 26868 (UH-60)-w/PTC (125.65) after departing ADW. Could be MD, VA or DC ArNG.
1145- N12NG (King Air, NGTF)-w/DOV approach (132.425).
1151- Vader 07 (C-130H 914th OG, OH ANG, YOUNGSTOWN OH)-w/DOV CP (349.4) w/inbound msg.
1153- DeeCee 41 (KC-135R 756th ARS ADW)-patterns at ADW.
1154- Cougar 48 (C-21A, 457th AS ADW)-depart ADW.
1158- Unid acft (no call noted)-w/Tango Charlie (unid) on PAX test discrete (339.675). Also mention of working w/LPD-19 (USS Mesa Verde).
1202- PAT 804-w/ZDC Montebello (121.675)
1217- Kevlar 11 flt (id as 4 X F-22s LFI)-in W386 (249.8) for ACM training on sqdn discrete (228.45)
1226- Pawn 94 (C5A #69-0012 137th AS NY ANG Stewart ANGB NY)--depart ADW then w/ZDC Montebello (121.675)
1232- Irony 1 (Cessna 172, DOV Flying Club)-patteerns at DOV (126.35)
1239- Guard 26883 (UH-60, MD ArNG Wedie AAF)-local activity at Weide (126.2)
1247- N360TL (Britten-Islander, NGTF)-on NGTF discrete (123.225)
1248- Navy 7N206 (C-12, NAF ADW)-land at ADW.
1253- Titus 26 (C-130T VR-53 ADW)-patterns at ADW.
1439- Score 86 (unid, VX-20 PAX)-w/DOV approach (125.9) for some patterns at DOV.
1444- CG 6530 (HH-65C, CGAS ACY)-w/CG Sector Baltimire (157.15)
1445- Crab 51 (C-130J # 97-1351, 135th AS MD ANG MTN)-w/Crab Ops (384.1) w/inbound msg.
1457- PAT 188-w/ZDC Calvert (133.9)
1506- Invader Jack 50 (LEAR JET, FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL-CONTRACT ACFT)-check into W72 (233.7)
1507- Baton 61 (EC-130J, 193rd SOG PA ANG Harrisburg PA)-w/Baton Ops (395.1) w/inbound msg & write ups.
1519- JOSA 175-w/Griffin CP (378.1) w/inbound msg. Advised that ramp freeze is in effect. Departs ADW at 1612.
1525- PAT 653-land at ADW.
1526- Tester ?? (number misswed-T-38C NTPS PAX)-w/BW (354.8) reporting supersonic run at Mach 1.04.
1527- Hoist 93 (KC-10A 2/32nd ARS, McGuire AFB NJ)-w/McGuire CP (Brickyard-319.4) w/inbound msg & write-ups.
1558- Reach 1850-land at ADW.
1603- Boxer 48 (C-38/C-40, 201st AS DC ANG ADW)-patterns at ADW.
1642- Guard 929 (UH-60 MD ArNG Weide AAF)-local activity at Weide (126.2)
1648- Navy 7C218 (UC-12, Base Flt NAS Chambers VA)-land at ADW.
1649- Boxer 82 (C-38/C-40, 201st AS DC ANG ADW)-land at ADW.
1702- Brave 2 (F-16, 121st FS DC ANG ADW)-land at ADW
1904- Angry flt (4 X F16s, 121st FS DC ANG ADW)-land at ADW.
1906- Reach 1815-depart ADW.
1915- N24NG (Cessna 560XL NGTF)-land at Baltimore.
1916- Royal 08 (C-17A, 436th AMW DOV)-w/DOV CP (349.4) querying status of scheduled tanker for AAR.
1926- DeeCee 43 (KC-135R, 756th ARS ADW)-land at ADW.
1927- Boxer 68 (C-38/C-40, 201st AS DC ANG ADW)-land at ADW.
1930- Guard 116 (UH-60, MD ArNG Weide AAF)-local activity at Weide (126.2)
1932- SPAR 28 (C-37A # 01-0028 310th AS, MacDill AFB FL)-land at ADW.
1939- Navy 103 (VC-37, VR-1 ADW)-land at ADW.
1940- Guard 883 (UH-60, MD ArNG Weide AAF)-local activity at Weide (126.2)
1950- Marine 051 (UC-35, MAW-4 ADW)-land at ADW.

US Milsat NROL-49 Launched

With the Moon beaming above, a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy sits poised on its launch pad with a National Reconnaisance Office payload at Space Launch Complex-6. Today's launch is scheduled to blast off at 1:08 p.m. PST. The Delta IC Heavy, standing 235 feet tall, will be the largest rocket to ever launch from the West Coast of the U.S. With it's nearly 2 million pounds of thrust, the Delta IV Heavy is America's most powerful liquid fueled rocket. (Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance)

In an email posted to SEESAT-L Ted Molzcan wrote:
Bob Christy has reported radio observations on two consecutive passes, early on Jan 21 UTC, which lead me to believe that the initial orbit is similar to that of USA 186, after its launch in Oct 2005. Here are revised elements:

163 X 1027 km
1 72001U 11020.92423331 .00988049 00000-0 77000-3 0 09
2 72001 97.9000 135.1447 0620000 185.0000 174.4842 14.90000000 08

The elements remain fairly rough, so significant time and track errors should be expected. Next step will be to raise perigee by about 100 km. My guess is that will occur within range of Diego Garcia, on Jan 22 near 19:14 UTC or 20:49 UTC.

Pre-launch Ted posted this to the SEESAT-L group regarding NROL-49:

It will launch a KeyHole imagery intelligence satellite of KH-11 lineage, which will replace a similar satellite in the standard eastern KH plane: USA 161 (01044A / 26934), launched from VAFB on a Titan 4B, in October 2001.

Accurately estimating KH orbits pre-launch is complicated by uncertainty about the planned argument of perigee of their moderately eccentric (for LEO) orbits. There are two standard KH planes, with nodes separated about 49 deg, and argument perigee separated by roughly 90 to 180 deg.

I have experimented with several different arguments of perigee, ranging from 141 deg to 244 deg, and settled on 141 deg, but its just a guess, and on past launches I have generally guessed wrong by tens of degrees.

The second stage rocket body apparently will be de-orbited on the first rev; the centre of the debris footprint is on the equator, near 152 W. I have taken that into account in guessing the argument of perigee, since the de-orbit should be roughly at apogee.

I have also guessed that the extraordinary performance of the Delta 4 Heavy will be used to insert the spacecraft into its standard ~270 km perigee, instead of the past practice (with Titan 34D and Titan 4), which was to insert into ~150 x 1000 km, and have the spacecraft raise its perigee.

I have assumed that the plane will match that of USA 161, but it could easily differ by a degree or two.

The following elements are based on launch at window-open:

272 X 1038 km
1 72001U 11020.91666667 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 04
2 72001 97.9000 135.1374 0545000 140.9173 179.6287 14.71000000 03

In the event the launch is delayed, I will post an update.

Prediction time error during the first few hours is likely to be several minutes. Track error could be quite large, due to the uncertainty in argument of perigee.

If the argument of perigee is correct, then southern hemisphere observers around 35 S or so, will have middle of the night visibility. But if I am way off - for example, should it match the argument of perigee of USA 161, then the orbit will be in eclipse.

There is an interesting article posted to the spacereview.com about how the launch patch associated with NROL-49 gives a hint to its mission (Keyhole Recon). See that article at http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1437/1.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Milcom Blog Logs - 19 Jan 2011 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3234.5 HF-LSB
0103Z - AAR7AH NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAM7TIA / AAM7IA

3299.0 HF-USB
0105Z - AFA4BT NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S1 net: AFA4VG

3308.0 HF-USB
0107Z - AFF5TS NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCTSM1 net

3317.5 HF-USB
0133Z - Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0AEV / NNN0HKF

3325.0 HF-USB
0006Z - NNN0APJ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net: NNN0ABL-T / NNN0ULT / NNN0GXA
0131Z - NNN0IEA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net

3384.0 HF-USB
0107Z - Link-11 data transmission

3390.0 HF-USB
0107Z - Navy/MC Region 5 MARS 5X1B net: NNN0QGI

4002.9 HF-LSB
0004Z - AAR4IQ NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/L net: AAR4IH

4008.5 HF-USB
2200Z - NNN0BSF NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Oklahoma MARS 6O3B net: NNN0QGC

4011.0 HF-USB
0003Z - NNN0AHH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net: NNN0TWA
1402Z - NNN0EHQ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D1C net: NNN0POY

4013.5 HF-USB
0003Z - NNN0BDW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net

4023.9 HF-USB
1404Z - AAM5RD NCS for the Army Region 5 Illinois MARS AAA5RD/IL net

4035.9 HF-USB
0102Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAM7IA move to KBO
1405Z - AAR7FB NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAA7NE

4041.0 HF-USB
0033Z - NNN0LWN NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N5B net: NNN0UAN / NNN0FSW

4469.0 HF-USB
0101Z - Southeast Region Georgia CAP net: Georgia-CAP-44

4506.0 HF-USB
0002Z - MO-CAP-10 NCS for the North Central Region Missouri "MO-CAP" CAP net
1400Z - Red-Cloud-194 NCS for the North Central Region Nebraska "Red-Cloud" CAP net
1431Z - Iowa-CAP-04 NCS for the North Central Region Iowa CAP net: Red-Cloud-194 / Red-Cloud-195

4517.0 HF-USB
1420Z - Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFA7CH / AFA5GK

4603.0 HF-USB
[11:04:23][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6REM ][AL0] BER 9 SN 05
[12:19:22][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 16 SN 05

4604.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Red-Fire-114 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Indiana "Red_Fire" CAP net
0030Z - Red-Fox-17 unable to copy NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red_Fox" CAP net & rqst Wildwood station (NIL) to relay (NCS QTH: St. Louis & Red-Fox-17 QTH near Chicago) after conversation w/ Wildwood station Red-Fox-17 opens the net.

5004.5 HF-USB
1503Z - NNN0ENS NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X2B net: NNN0AHH

5201.9 HF-USB
1407Z - AAR6GV NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6BB / AAR6QE / AAA6TX / AAR6CQ

6739.0 HF-USB
0134Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM G2IKD2
0200Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM G26PND; followed by "more to
follow, stand-by" statement preceding 28 character EAM G25PV4; followed by "more to
follow, stand-by" statement preceding 28 character EAM G2IKD2

6765.0 HF-USB
1548Z - AAT7WE NCS for the SHARES Northern Weekly net: AAR7AL / NCS009 / NNN0ANH / NNN0LFG / NNN0OAR / AAR8AV / NNN0AVS / NM08WLZ (NE) / KNNP-491 / NNN0TUL / North-Central-54 (NE) / Iowa-CAP-411 // announcement of Silent Key NNN0QCQ

6910.0 HF-USB
1605Z - NNN0VHO NCS for the SHARES Southern Weekly net

7302.0 HF-USB
1412Z - AFA6CN NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M1 net: AFA6WS / AFA6EL

7457.0 HF-USB
1417Z - Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4ZW / AFE4TN / AFA4OJ / AFF4DM /AFA4AE / AFF4AA / AFA4GO

10194.0 HF-USB
[21:45:15][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 06

11181.0 HF-USB
[22:42:29][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADWSPR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 07

11238.0 HF-USB
[17:31:02][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ALN ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05

11494.0 HF-USB
[22:01:35][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][712 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 06

12103.0 HF-USB
[16:27:57][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][RHV ][AL0] BER 14 SN 04

14265.0 HF-USB
1451Z - N3HBX NCS for the SATERN Training net taking early check-ins to the net

14396.5 HF-USB
1544Z - NNN0VUV NCS for the SHARES National Admin net: NNN0EPY / NNN0VHO

15016.0 HF-USB
2130Z - Pitchout (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) pass 28 character EAM G2M2LT

15037.0 HF-USB
[17:00:05][CHN 01][TO ][VSF ][TIS][ALN ][AL0] BER 10 SN 05

15043.0 HF-USB
[20:41:10][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06

16090.0 HF-USB
[19:37:12][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ALN ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[19:54:07][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ALN ][AL0] BER 19 SN 05

Helicopter Squadron to Commemorate Naval Aviation Centennial at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Cassatt, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The celebration of 100 years of naval aviation is set to kick off aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island in San Diego, Feb. 10.

The "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 – due to deployment commitments - will be honoring the milestone at sea while aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

"It's unfortunate that we're not going to be in San Diego for the celebration, but America needs us out there on the front," said Command Master Chief Al Lamb, HS-4 senior enlisted leader. "We're excited about 100 years of naval aviation, but we're also excited about this deployment and protecting the men and women abroad, and supporting our ground troops."

The Centennial of Naval Aviation, commemorating 100 years of progress and achievement in naval aviation, is a year-long tribute to the scope of all naval aviation activities, including aircraft, people, ships, innovations and significant events.

The year 2011 not only marks naval aviation's 100th anniversary, it also will be the last year HS-4 will exist as an anti-submarine warfare squadron. The squadron will be disestablished following deployment and will become Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4.

"HS-4 has been around for 59 years, and it is fitting that we will celebrate a milestone ourselves during this centennial," said Cmdr. Robert Aguilar, HS-4 commanding officer. "We are going to spend the next 12 months reliving our history as a squadron as we celebrate 100 years of Naval aviation."

For the Sailors assigned to HS-4, the celebration will be observed through the rigorous operations of a helicopter squadron aboard an aircraft carrier at sea.

"We have an extremely high operation tempo," said Lamb. "We fly every day, and our pilots and maintenance personnel are some of the best in the fleet. As a command master chief, I couldn't be more proud of our Sailors. They are the most committed Sailors I've ever seen in my 25 years in the Navy."

HS-4 is a squadron with a rich tradition. It was commissioned June 30, 1952 in Imperial Beach, Calif., and became the first anti-submarine warfare squadron to deploy aboard an aircraft carrier; the USS Rendova (CVE 14).

HS-4 is also famous for pioneering techniques used in the Apollo capsule recoveries, and was the squadron responsible for recovering the astronauts from Apollo 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

"HS-4 has a proud tradition in naval aviation," said Lamb. "We will continue to build on that tradition and lead from the front."

NAS North Island is known as the "Birthplace of Naval Aviation." On Feb. 17, 1911, inventor and aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss taxied his seaplane to the battleship USS Pennsylvania (BB 38), anchored in San Diego Bay.

From that historic day, naval aviation has continued to thrive and expand, and it is in that spirit of innovation that the Centennial of Naval Aviation will be honored throughout 2011.

The year-long celebration will kick off aboard NAS North Island with four days of festivities Feb. 10-13, including carrier and ship tours, static display aircraft, a classic car show and a parade of flight featuring more than 75 aircraft.

"The history of naval aviation has been a dynamic part of American history," said Aguilar. "There is a small group of men and women who have been a part of that history who provide a great service to their country."

Milcom Blog Logs - 19 Jan 2011 - Baltimore MD

Ron Perron checks in with some Milair logs form his Baltimore MD monitoring post.

ACY-Atlantic City NJ
ADW- Andrews AFB MD
BW- Bay Watch-NAS PAX Area Advisory Control
DAA- Davison AAF, Ft Belvoir VA
DCA- Reagan National Airport/CGAS Washington, Wash DC
DOV- Dover AFB DE
GK- Giantkiller (FACSFAC, Virginia Capes)
LFI- Langley AFB VA
MTN-Martin State Airport, Baltimore
NGTF-Northrop-Grumman Test Facility, Baltimore
NTPS- Naval Test Pilot School, PAX
NXX- Willow Grove JRB PA
PAX-NAS Patuxent River MD
PTC- Potomac Area TRACON
WRI-McGuire AFB NJ
ZBW-Boston ARTCC
ZDC- Washington ARTCC
ZNY- New York ARTCC

1. VHF/UHF: ((Times are EST))

0650- Navy 601 (VC-37 VR-1 ADW)- depart ADW then check in w/ZDC Calvert (133.9)
0743- SAM 8841 (99th AS ADW)-land at ADW.
1023- Steel 62 (KC-135R 147th ARS, PA ANG Pittsburgh PA)-w/McGuire CP (Brickyard --319.4) w/arrival msg.
1026- Reach 354 (id as heavy)-land at ADW.
1048- Army 052 (UC-35 # 00-1052 OSACOM ADW)-depart ADW.
1433- Venus 91 (VC-32A # 98-0001 1st AS ADW)-check in w/ZDC Calvert (133.9). Returns to ADW at 1650.
1434- Axeman & Colt flts (A-10Cs, 10th FS MD ANG MTN)-w/BW (256.5) in CAS training.
1446- Score (unid VX-20 PAX) w/ground controller Tango Charlie in unidentified equipment tests. At 1559 Score asks Macom Warrior (unid) if they hear Tango Charlie. Score also asks Macom Warrior if
there is anything they would to relay to Green Dominion (unid test entity, Atlantic Test Track). NOTE: New PAX test discrete freq. At 1613 Score advises Tango Charlie they will RTB.
1454- Crab 51 (C-130J # 97-1351 135th AS MD ANG MTN)-w/Crab Ops (384.1) w/arrival msg.
1521- Venus 94 (VC-32A # 99-0004 1st AS ADW)-land at ADW.
1600- DeeCee 21 (KC-135R 756th ARS ADW)-patterns at ADW.
1602- Marine 767 (UC-35 # 166767, MAW-4 ADW) -land at ADW.
1604- Reach 560-w/PTC (118.675) then land at ADW.
1613- Kallita 8155 ()-land at DOV (132.425/126.35)
1621- PAT 10 (helo) w/Wash Helo (134.35) enroute to Ft McNair VA.
1637- Guard 116 & 234 (prob UH-60s MD ArNG Weide AAF)-local activity at Weide (126.2)
1644- DeeCee 32 (KC-135R 756th ARS ADW)-depart ADW then check in w/ZDC Calvert (133.9)
1655- JOSA 822-land at ADW
1747- Ranger 75 (unid, several possibilities)-depart ADW.
1744- Palm 94 (C-17A, 437 AW, Charleston AFB SC)- land at ADW
1745- Navy JT 109 (C-9, VR-52, NXX)-w/ZDC Cape Charles (132.55)
1756- Sport 09 (unid)-land at ADW.
1747- SAM 8842 (99th AS ADW)-depart ADW. Returned to ADW at 1915.
1901- Reach 3211 (id as heavy)-land at ADW.
1912- PAT 953-depart ADW the cxheck in w/ZDC Calvert (133.9)
1913- Raven 90 (UH-60 MD ArNG Weide AAF)-local activity at Weide (126.2). Note: First time in years I've heard the MD ArNG helos using a voice callsign.
1919- Guard 453 (id as UH-60, MD ArNG Weide AAF)-local activity at Weide using night vision goggles.
1920- Vader 2 (EA-6B, VAQ-209 ADW)- depart ADW then w/ZDC Calvert (133.9) cleared to Cape Charles VA
1921- Guard 234 (id as UH-60, MD ArNG Weide AAF)-local activity at Weide using night vision goggles.
1921- Rogue flt (F-22s, LFI)-check in to W386 (238.1) for ACM training. Also on sqdn discrete (228.45)
1922- Crab 51 (C-130J # 97-1351 135th AS MD ANG MTN)-w/Crab Ops (384.1)

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