Milcom Blog Logs - 27 Feb 2010 - 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
0222Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAR7AT

3308.0 HF-USB
0224Z - Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFN7NC

3317.5 HF-USB
0133Z - NNN0SVW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0AVT / NNN0PQX / NNN0JRX

3325.0 HF-USB
0132Z - NNN0AKT NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net

3370.5 HF-USB
0225Z - AFD6RD NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net: AFA6CM

3390.0 HF-USB
0209Z - Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0ICX / NNN0ONX
0302Z - NNN0QAA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0SYH / NNN0OEE

3596.0 HF-USB
[05:22:00][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][WD8 ][AL0] BER 14 SN 04
WD8 - WD8ARZ, HAM - South Bend, IN

4007.0 HF-USB
0003Z - NNN0AMY NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net: NNN0FCT
0039Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0AAT / NNN0BQH

4008.5 HF-USB
0204Z - NNN0FWM NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 South Texas MARS 6S1B net: NNN0ELL / NNN0AHH

4011.0 HF-USB
1400Z - NNN0AS74 NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 MARS 7X3C net: NNN0SVW / NNN0AVT / NNN0JRX

4013.5 HF-USB
0108Z - NNN0OGD NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0OGB / NNN0YWA

4020.9 HF-USB
0109Z - AAR6CX NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6DT / AAR6BH / AAM6TTX / AAR6LE / AAR5AW / AAR6JZ / AAR6LN / AAR6GE
0204Z - AAA6AR NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAA6RD
1408Z - AAA6TX NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6TV

4026.9 HF-USB
0008Z - AAA4AL NCS for the Army Region 4 Alabama MARS AAA4AL/A net: AAM4RL / AAV4FX

4035.9 HF-USB
0105Z - AAR7DP NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAR7FE
0206Z - AAR7AL for NCS directs the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net move to KBO
1410Z - AAR7RT NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7MO / AAM7RD

4038.5 HF-USB
0207Z - NNN0AOC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0EBS
0301Z - NNN0OEE for NCS of the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net go NBJ & repeated by NNN0SYH
1414Z - NNN0RBD NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H1B net: NNN0TWA

4041.0 HF-USB
0036Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N5B net: NNN0QCK-T / NNN0FKV / NNN0EVQ

4469.0 HF-USB
0033Z - Mockingbird-502 NCS for the Southeast Region Mississippi "Mockingbird" CAP net: Mockingbird-08 / Georgia-CAP-41
0100Z - Georgia-CAP-41 NCS for the Southeast Region Georgia HF Directed CAP net: Southeast-CAP-43 / Mockingbird-08 / Mockingbird-502 / Goldenrod-595 / Goldenrod-104 / Goldenrod-305 / Goldenrod-180

4506.0 HF-USB
0001Z - MO-CAP-10 NCS for the North Central Region Missouri "MO-CAP" CAP net
0030Z - Yellow-Brick-56 NCS for the North Central Region Kansas "Yellow-Brick" CAP net

4517.0 HF-USB
1419Z - AFF5MN NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5MNS1 net: AFN7NC

4601.0 HF-USB
1431Z - Rocky Mountain Region CAP net: Aspen-Gold-37 / Blue-Mesa-327

4604.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Red-Fire-114 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Indiana "Red_Fire" CAP net
0100Z - Great Lakes Region Wisconsin "Blue-Mound" CAP net conducting roll-call

4623.5 HF-USB
0032Z - NNN0LHK NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I2B net
1500Z - NNN0AQP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net

4721.0 HF-USB
[01:13:02][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06
ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD
[04:12:00][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][PLA ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06
PLA - Lajes HF-GCS, Azores
[04:13:26][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 11 SN 07
ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD

4724.0 HF-USB
0128Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 44GQ2Y to All Stations
0130Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats three 28 character EAMs: 447GP3; 44???? & 44YTSZ
0200Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats three 28 character EAMs: 44GQ2Y; 447GP3 & 44YTSZ
0230Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats three 28 character EAMs: 44GQ2Y; 447GP3 & 44YTSZ
0300Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM 44GQ2Y
0313Z - Lajes (HF-GCS) test count
0330Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM 44GQ2Y
0553Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 44OP5M to All Stations
0556Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING, do not answer: J4H; time: 56; authentication: CS
0600Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM 44OP5M

4825.0 HF-USB
2300Z - NNN0ASF NCS for the Navy/MC South Area MARS SA1A net: NNN0ENS / NNN0GBW / NNN0AS6 / NNN0GBY-3 / NNN0GBY / NNN0GBY-1 / NNN0GBY-7 / NNN0GBY-10

4865.0 HF-USB
0024Z - Link-11 data transmission

6715.0 HF-USB
[07:25:54][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MB ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05
MB - Unknown
[08:26:01][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCCSPR ][AL0] BER 9 SN 04
MCCSPR - McClellan HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, CA
[09:09:12][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADWSPR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 05
ADWSPR - Andrews HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, MD
[10:09:17][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADWSPR ][AL0] BER 19 SN 05
ADWSPR - Andrews HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, MD
[11:09:30][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06
ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD
[11:26:29][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCCSPR ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05
MCCSPR - McClellan HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, CA
[12:30:42][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCCSPR ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05
MCCSPR - McClellan HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, CA
[13:09:49][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADWSPR ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06
ADWSPR - Andrews HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, MD
13:34:49][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 14 SN 04
MCC - McClellan HF-GCS, CA

6739.0 HF-USB
0030Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats two 28 character EAMs: 44YTSZ & 444B6V
0037Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 447GP3 to All Stations
0100Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats three 28 character EAMs: 447GP3, 44YTSZ & 444B6V
0553Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 44OP5M to All Stations
0556Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING, do not answer: J4H; time: 56; authentication: CS
0600Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM 44OP5M

6855.0 HF-AM
2100Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 07012 47251 73152"

6925.0 HF-USB
2350Z - Pirate radio

7887.0 HF-AM
2029Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc

8992.0 HF-USB
0013Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 444B6V to All Stations

9025.0 HF-USB
[23:45:20][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 17 SN 07
ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD

14327.0 HF-USB
1809Z - N3PG calz for check-ins to the U.S.C.G. Amateur Radio net

14405.0 HF-USB
1600Z - AFA9PF NCS for the Transcon Space Support Net: AFD6RD (Alt NCS / OK)
/ AGA0MC (McCord AFB) / AFA3LK (PA) / AFA4HO (FL) / AFA8SI (WY) / AFA9DB / AFA9JA

15016.0 HF-USB
0013Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 444B6V to All Stations
1800Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 44VV6Z
1803Z - (sound like) Ecstasy (suspected USSTRATCOM ABNCP) repeats 28 character EAM 44VV6Z
1830Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM 44VV6Z
1900Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM 44VV6Z
1930Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM 44VV6Z

T-AKE Ship Class Grows: One Launched and One Delivered

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships - the Navy's newest class of logistics ships, also called T-AKEs – continued to grow last week with the launch of the 10th ship in the class and the delivery of the ninth to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command.

USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10)was christened and launched during an early morning ceremony Feb. 27, at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. Ship's sponsor Bebe Drew Price, daughter of the ship's namesake, broke the traditional bottle of champagne across the bow.

USNS Charles Drew honors Dr. Charles Drew, an American physician, regarded as the father of the blood bank, who researched and developed methods of blood collection, plasma processing and storage. Drew's research in blood storage first benefited Soldiers in the field during World War II, but has continued to save the lives millions of people worldwide. His blood bank design is still the model for modern hospitals and organizations such as the American Red Cross.

On Feb. 24, Military Sealift Command, which owns and operates the ships, accepted delivery of USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9). Perry was launched and christened at NASSCO's shipyard Aug. 16, 2009, and underwent a series of tests and trials prior to delivery.

"The T-AKEs are an incredibly important asset to the Navy and we are proud to see the class continue to grow," said Capt. Jerome Hamel, commander of Sealift Logistics Command Pacific – MSC's San Diego office. "Not only do the T-AKEs support Navy warfighters by delivering stores, ammunition, fuel and spare parts, but the ships are also capable of fulfilling non-traditional missions such as the 2009 Pacific Partnership humanitarian assistance mission of USNS Richard E. Byrd."

Perry is expected to conduct missions for MSC in the fall of this year and will operate in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Drew is scheduled for delivery to the MSC fleet later this year.

T-AKEs allow Navy ships to stay at sea, on station and combat ready, for extended periods of time. The ships are crewed by approximately 124 civil service mariners and 11 U.S. Navy Sailors, who provide supply coordination.

MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

United States Navy Ship Ingraham Arriving in Bangladesh

By Ensign Todd B. Chen, USS Ingraham Public Affairs

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham (FFG-61) will conduct a port call in Chittagong, Bangladesh March 1-3. This is the first time Ingraham has visited Bangladesh.

During the port call, the crew will participate in various local cultural activities, professional military-to-military exchanges with the Bangladesh Navy and community service projects as coordinated by the U.S. Embassy.

"Bangladesh is preparing to launch its ship-based helicopter program, and USS Ingraham will have the opportunity to train with the Bangladesh Navy Sailors and pilots who will be responsible for operating helicopters on their ships," said Cmdr. Adam J. Welter, Ingraham's commanding officer. "One of the best aspects of what we do is working along side our international counterparts, getting to know Sailors from around the world and seeing where they live and how they operate and sharing with them how we operate. The whole crew is looking forward to this visit and the valuable opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. Navy and the Bangladeshi military."

This visit is the latest in a series of port calls by U.S. Navy ships and demonstrates the United States Government's commitment to Bangladesh and to regional security by relationships throughout Asia and the Pacific.

Milcom Blog Logs - 26 Feb 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

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

3308.0 HF-USB
0304Z - AFA5JM NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFA5TT / AFA5CS / AFA7HY

3384.0 HF-USB
0049Z - Link-11 data transmission

4002.9 HF-LSB
0106Z - Army Region 4 MARS net: AAM4TAL

4007.0 HF-USB
0009Z - NNN0AMY NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net: NNN0BQT / NNN0FCT / NNN0AVT
0034Z - NNN0SXU NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0APL / NNN0XFB

4011.0 HF-USB
0007Z - NNN0AHH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net: NNN0AGB
1414Z - NNN0YGW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D1C net: NNN0SVW

4013.5 HF-USB
0105Z - NNN0BTG NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net

4017.9 HF-USB
1306Z - AAM8TCO NCS for the Army Region 8 MARS AAA8RD/B net: AAA8CO / AAR8GG

4020.9 HF-USB
0104Z - Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6DC / AAR6TX / AAR6WK
1303Z - AAR6HB NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAM6AR / AAM6EAR

4026.9 HF-USB
1208Z - AAM4AL NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/B net that became the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/X net: AAR4CW / AAR4DX / AAM4GA / AAV4WR / AAA4NC / AAR4CH / AAR4MP / AAR4IJ

4035.9 HF-USB
0103Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAR7CZ / AAR7AT
1301Z - AAA7RD NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/C net: AAR7QB / AAM7RT
1409Z - AAM7IA NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAA7RD / AAM7RD

4038.5 HF-USB
0301Z - NNN0TJC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0EVT / NNN0YGY / NNN0EZC / NNN0SWS-T

4041.0 HF-USB
0034Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N5B net: NNN0IXF

4470.5 HF-USB
0259Z - NNN0XFB NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 North / South Dakota MARS 8S1B net: NNN0FCI / NNN0AHH / NNN0GLL / NNN0IEH

4506.0 HF-USB
1400Z - Red-Cloud-335 NCS for the North Central Region Nebraska "RED CLOUD" CAP net
1429Z - Iowa-CAP-04 NCS for the North Central Region Iowa CAP net: Iowa-CAP-102 / Wild-Wood-6704

4517.0 HF-USB
1404Z - Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFN7NC / AFA5GK

4601.0 HF-USB
0100Z - Blue-Mesa-36 NCS for the Rocky Mountain Region Colorado Wing HF net

4604.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Red-Robin-127 makes net call for NCS of the Great Lakes Region Indiana "Red_Fire" CAP net: Goldenrod-595
0030Z - Red-Fox-04 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red_Fox" CAP net
1401Z - Great Lakes Region Michigan "Red-Robin" CAP net
1429Z - Red-Fox-17 NCS for the Great Lakes "Blue Lake" Region CAP net
2230Z - Red-Fox-17 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red_Fox" CAP net
2300Z - Kentucky-CAP-148 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Kentucky CAP net

4623.5 HF-USB
0030Z - NNN0RDP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I2B net: NNN0SCV
1402Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Wisconsin MARS 5W4B net: NNN0UNK
1504Z - NNN0EQH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net: NNN0SCV / NNN0AQP

4630.0 HF-USB
0100Z - Southwest Region Texas CAP net conduct roll-call

4721.0 HF-USB
0324Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) test count

4825.0 HF-USB
2303Z - NNN0KIP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X4B net

4865.0 HF-USB
0048Z - Link-11 data transmission

5696.0 HF-USB
0058Z - Camslant w/ CG 2102

6739.0 HF-USB
0318Z - Thanks for you help de Reach-7122 out
0321Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) conduct test count

6855.0 HF-AM
2100Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 12052 35711 02381"

7457.0 HF-USB
1405Z - AFA4CV NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFE4TN / AFA4QE / AFA4GL-T

7887.0 HF-AM
2000Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 12052 35711 02381"

9025.0 HF-USB
[20:47:08][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05
ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD

9047.0 HF-USB
[15:22:36][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][0011AR ][AL0] BER 14 SN 04
0011AR - Arkansas Civil Air Patrol

9121.5 HF-USB
0317Z - Link-11 data transmission

9462.0 HF-USB
[19:14:14][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6 ][AL0] BER 23 SN 05
FC6 - FEMA, Region 6
[19:37:31][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8FEM006 ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06
FC8FEM006 - FEMA, Region 8
[19:37:34][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8FEM ][AL0] BER 18 SN 07
FC8FEM - FEMA, Region 8
[19:50:47][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06
FC8 - FEMA, Region 8

10194.0 HF-USB
[17:42:39][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05
FC8 - FEMA, Region 8
[17:44:37][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8FEM004 ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05
FC8FEM004 - FEMA, Region 8

11494.0 HF-USB
[21:18:56][CHN 01][TO ][J24 ][TWS][OPB ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05
J24 - USCG MH-60J #6024 CGAS Clearwater
OPB - OPBAT Service Center, Nassau, Bahamas

13200.0 HF-USB
1700Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass two 28 character EAMs: 44OSBR & 44IDTR

13206.0 HF-USB
1958Z - Link-11 data transmission

15016.0 HF-USB
1730Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAMs: 44OSBR & 44IDTR

Swift, Nicholas Visit Port Est, Reunion

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa / Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

PORT EST, Reunion (NNS) -- High speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) and USS Nicholas (FFG 47) arrived in Port Est for a three-day regularly scheduled port visit while operating in the Indian Ocean Feb. 16.

While in Port Est, the ships' crews will work with the French military. The stop will also allow both ships to pick up supplies and provide personnel with an opportunity for some liberty before they continue with their mission in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East.

"Our stop in Reunion will allow us to regroup for the remainder of our APS mission, which is an international initiative aimed at improving maritime safety and security in Africa," said Capt. James E. Tranoris, commodore of APS East. "The APS mission has already taken us to Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Following our stop in Reunion, we'll continue with visits to Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, and Kenya. Any opportunity to partner and conduct international exchanges is valuable to our Sailors and the U.S. Navy, which is why we are looking forward to the prospect for training with the French military here in Reunion."

Military-to-military exchanges are not the only interactions happening in Reunion this week. Members of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band "Top Brass" will hold a concert at the University of Reunion (Saint-Denis). The performance will feature traditional American jazz and New Orleans style brass band music.

"We are excited every time we get to play a show for a new group of people," said Musician 3rd Class Vincent Moody. "Each country we visit provides us a great opportunity to meet new people and to entertain them with our music."

The visit will also allow crew members from both ships a chance for some relaxation and liberty time to venture out and enjoy the island.

APS is an international initiative in support of Naval Forces Africa which aims to unite international partners to enhance maritime safety and security throughout the African continent. Swift and Nicholas, both homeported in Norfolk, are on regular scheduled deployments within the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Carl Vinson Makes Port Call in Rio de Janeiro

The guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) takes on fuel from the Nimitz-class carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during an underway replenishment near South America. Both ships are participating in Operation Southern Seas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joel Carlson/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class(SW/AW) Jason Thompson, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

RIO DE JANERIO, Brazil (NNS) -- Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrived in Rio de Janeiro Feb. 26 as part of Southern Seas 2010, a component of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Partnership of the Americas.

"South America is a hugely important part of the world and so it's very important that our Navy understand and appreciate the relationships, cultures and capabilities of our partner navies," said Rear Adm. Ted Branch, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1. "So this gives us a great opportunity as a Navy to foster those relationships, improve our understanding and our cooperation and interoperability with partner navies in the region."

Carl Vinson's arrival follows a recent visit by Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Rear Adm. Victor Guillory during which he expressed appreciation for the outstanding support provided by the Brazilian Navy to the U.S. during its training periods and regional exercises. Branch went on to say these interactions only reinforce South American partnerships.

"When you visit other countries and you talk to the people, you interact with other people and places, my experience is you always come away with a real appreciation, a more in-depth knowledge of their culture and their identity, and there's always a greater a degree of understanding," said Branch. "That mutual understanding and respect gained through port visits and theater-security cooperation and interaction like that are always valuable to the whole world because it promotes understanding and fosters good relationships."

After more than three weeks at sea, the port call is the first occasion for Carl Vinson's crew to interact with locals and experience genuine South American culture.

"The crew has performed admirably," said Carl Vinson Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey. "After their swift and remarkable response to Haiti and a brief visit in Mayport, Fla., this chance to experience Brazilian culture is exciting. The crew is taking advantage of our MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) tours and is looking forward to the interaction."

Also making the port call is USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), Destroyer Squadron 1 and air wing components from CVW 17, VFA 81, VAW 125, VRC 40, and HS 15, which are all currently assigned to CSG 1.

Nearly all of the tours offered by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department sold out three days prior to the port visit.

Carl Vinson will continue with Southern Seas 2010 and meet with more South American military and civilian representatives and take advantage of unique port calls as part of a scheduled homeport shift.

Milcom Blog Logs - 27 Dec 2009-24 Feb 2010 - Kentucky

Our Blue Grass state reporter Jack Metcalfe checks in with the following HF intercepts. I am still looking for a positive ID on ALE address VA78CTSCSP. If you have any tieups on this address, please contact me at the email address in the masthead.

507.3 WE2XGR/6, experimental station, Penn Yan, NY with repeating ID: 0243 CW (27/DEC/2009)

2046.5 KBPNNN, USN/USMC MARS: 0427 USB ALE (14/FEB/2010)

2240.0 NGTROOPCMD, Ohio Army National Guard: 0306 USB ALE (30/JAN/2010)

2289.0 CVTNGA137P, NS/EP portable station, Covington, GA: 1358 USB ALE (11/FEB/2010)

2523.5 T01185, US Military: 0037 USB ALE (08/JAN/2010)

2749.0 HALIFAX CG Radio with wx reports. Very strong signal with 350' long wire. Off at 0255 UTC: 0245 USB Voice (30/JAN/2010)

3170.0 MRDNCT196, NS/EP station, Meriden, CT: 1406 USB ALE (11/FEB/2010)

3286.0 AAT5IR, AAT5CA & AAA5MI, US Army MARS: 0039 USB OLIVIA (32 tones 1 kHz bandwidth) (08/JAN/2010)

3299.0 AFF4BN, USAF MARS station: 0119 USB Voice (24/FEB/2010)

3308.0 AFA5ML, USAF MARS station: 0119 USB Voice (24/FEB/2010) (This the AF MARS NCTSM1 North Central Area Net-lvh)

4003.0 AAR4FF, US Army MARS in comms: 0116 LSB Voice (24/FEB/2010) (Probably the AR MARS AAA4RD/N Region 4 Net-lvh)

4013.5 NNN0BTJ, USN/USMC MARS station: 0117 USB Voice (24/FEB/2010)(This is probably the NMCM 4K2B Kentucky State Traffic Net-lvh)

4450.0 Unid US station with weather report (freezing rain): 0040 USB Voice (08/JAN/2010) (This is a USAF MARS net frequency-lvh)

4469.0 TENNESSEE CAP 248 & GEORGIA CAP 44, Civil Air Patrol stations in TN & GA: 0111 USB Voice (24/FEB/2010) (CAP SE Region primary-lvh)

4470.5 NNN0EYF, USN/USMC MARS station: 2100 USB Voice (24/FEB/2010)

4630.0 TEXAS CAP 4404, Civil Air Patrol, TX in net operations: 0103 USB Voice (24/FEB/2010)

4918.5 Unid station, possibly US Military or MARS with brief radio check: 1959 USB Voice (23/FEB/2010)

4918.5 Unid station, possibly US Military or MARS with brief radio check. Same as on 23 February logging, but a female radio operator this day: 1915 USB Voice (24/FEB/2010)

4921.5 AAT6MY, US Army MARS station relaying software configuration: 1903 LSB Voice (07/FEB/2010)

5135.0 VA78CTSCSP, unid state or federal station sounding on OPERATION SECURE frequency: 1959 USB ALE (23/FEB/2010)

5696.0 COAST GUARD 6503 reporting airborne out of South Bend, IN at 120 knots: 1925 USB Voice (23/FEB/2010)

5880.0 OP5UY, MN3WS & RW7LZ, unid stations: 0212 - 0332 USB ALE (11/FEB/2010)

6803.1 HFESIL160, Hoffman Estates, IL & CHPNSC140, Chapin SC Telcom NS/EP stations: 1753 USB ALE (08/FEB/2010), MRTHFL200, NS/EP station Marathon, FL, PNCOFL216, NS/EP station, Pensacola, FL & CLEVOH128, NS/EP station, Cleveland, OH: 1410 USB ALE (11/FEB/2010)

6985.0 F0171, US Army or NG ground station calling helo R23454: 1919 USB ALE (23/FEB/2010)

7480.1 BLWNMO108, NS/EP station, Ballwin, MO: 1502 USB ALE (11/FEB/2010)

7535.0 MAYPORT SESEF calling & raising NORFOLK SESEF: 1755 USB Voice (23/FEB/2010), CHARM (USS Wasp - LHD 1) working NORFOLK SESEF: 1925 USB Voice (23/FEB/2010)

7665.0 043MERCAP, Civil Air Patrol: 1928 USB ALE (24/FEB/2010)

7697.1 NEORLA204, NS/EP station, New Orleans, LA: 1820 USB ALE (11/FEB/2010)

7971.9 KOP629, unid US Government station: 1919 USB ALE here & on 4947.9 & 5241.7 (26/FEB/2010)

9496.0 KSCYMO172, NS/EP station, Kansas City, MO: 1708 USB ALE (11/FEB/2010)

10960.5 Five letter groups: 0020 CW (13/FEB/2010)

11002.0 CO, unid station with repeating ID: 0020 CW : (13/FEB/2010)

11498.0 GWP, unid station: 0008 USB ALE (13/FEB/2010) (Brazilian Navy-lvh)

14360.0 CHVLNJ124, NS/EP station, Cherryville, NJ: 1810 USB ALE (10/FEB/2010)

15658.0 051CDCS41, CDC station, OR & 031CDCC32, CDC station: 1728 USB ALE & AMD text. Voice call for 051CDCS41 is WNG954. Also testing on 11485.0 USB (11/FEB/2010) (031CDCC32 is a NPHRN station Washoe County Health District Reno, Nevada WNG 973-lvh)

19248.5 NORTHSTAR2, unid station: 2128 USB ALE (10/FEB/2010)

Milcom Blog Logs - 25 Feb 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

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

3308.0 HF-USB
0204Z - AFA7VP NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFA7MP / AFA5BP

3317.5 HF-USB
0131Z - NNN0THC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0SVW / NNN0PQX / NNN0AZM / NNN0BZJ / NNN0HBY-T / NNN0QGR / NNN0JRX

3320.5 HF-USB
0122Z - Navy/MC Region 4 South Carolina MARS 4G1B net: NNN0GBS

3325.0 HF-USB
0130Z - NNN0GAQ-4 NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B5C net: NNN0GAQ-2
2332Z - Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D3B net: NNN0YGW

3370.5 HF-USB
0206Z - AFA6MM NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net

3390.0 HF-USB
0205Z - NNN0ICX NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net

4007.0 HF-USB
0005Z - Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net: NNNOIHM / NNN0FCT / NNN0YMP
0031Z - NNN0BQH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0XYA / NNN0SXU
0112Z - NNN0GAZ-4 NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G2C net: NNN0HAN-T
0207Z - Navy/MC Region 9 MARS 9N1B net covered by QRM fm stations on the Navy/MC Region 6 South Texas MARS 6S1B net

4008.5 HF-USB
0208Z - NNN0KIR NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 South Texas MARS 6S1B net: NNN0AHH / NNN0ATG / NNN0VHO / NNN0FWM

4011.0 HF-USB
0004Z - NNN0HPU NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net
1409Z - NNN0YGW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D1C net

4013.5 HF-USB
0111Z - NNN0VWV NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0YUD / NNN0YTR

4026.9 HF-USB
0006Z - AAR4LB NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/J net: AAV4TY / AAR4IN
0108Z - AAM4TKY NCS an Army Region 4 MARS net: AAR4EK / AAR4HJ

4035.9 HF-USB
0106Z - AAM7IA NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAR7FE
0217Z - AAM7IA NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAR7DZ
1331Z - AAA7NE NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/C net: AAM7RT / AAA7RD / AAR7QB / AAR7FA / AAT7CN / NNN0BQG / AAT7UY / AAT7MX

4038.5 HF-USB
0217Z - NNN0TBK NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0PKC
0303Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0EZC / NNN0YGY / NNN0SFO / NNN0SYH / NNN0TJC / NNN0OEE / NNN0SWS-T
2304Z - Navy/MC Region 4 North Carolina MARS 4F2B net: NNN0GGT

4041.0 HF-USB
0032Z - NNN0AEY NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N5B net: NNN0IXF / NNN0KQE / NNN0UAN / NNN0VJM / NNN0AHH / NNN0FSW / NNN0LNN / NNN0OON / NNN0KRQ / NNN0BBZ

4469.0 HF-USB
0101Z - Goldenrod-595 NCS for the Southeast Region Alabama "Goldenrod" CAP net: Florida-CAP-495 / Florida-CAP-423 / Georgia-CAP-41 / Georgia-CAP-34 / Georgia-CAP-305 / Mockingbird-08 / Tennessee-CAP-124 / Red-Dragon-110

4470.5 HF-USB
0301Z - Navy/MC Region 8 North / South Dakota MARS 8S1B net: NNN0FCI

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

4517.0 HF-USB
1403Z - AFF7KS NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFA7MR / AFA5RF / AFA7HZ

4601.0 HF-USB
0200Z - Star-Garnet-224 NCS for the Rocky Mountain Region HF CAP net

4604.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Red-Fire-04 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Indiana "Red_Fire" CAP net
0030Z - Red-Fox-82 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red_Fox" CAP net
0203Z - (sound like) Red-Robin-140 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Michigan "Red-Robin" CAP net
1430Z - Red-Fox-17 NCS for the Great Lakes "Blue Lake" Region CAP net
2230Z - Red-Fox-17 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red-Fox" CAP net
2300Z - Kentucky-CAP-148 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Kentucky CAP net

4623.5 HF-USB
1401Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Wisconsin MARS 5W4B net: NNN0HKF
1500Z - NNN0AQP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net: NNN0SCV / NNN0REN

4630.0 HF-USB
0100Z - Texas-CAP-504 NCS for the Southwest Region Texas CAP net

4825.0 HF-USB
2312Z - NNN0SLA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X4B net: NNN0AHH (invites all to join him @ 2100 hrs on NCN for the South Dakota net) / NNN0AGB / NNN0WKH / NNN0KIP

4865.0 HF-USB
0127Z - Link-11 data transmission

5171.0 HF-USB
0146Z - Link-11 data transmission

6855.0 HF-AM
2100Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 47551 08111 08761"

7457.0 HF-USB
1405Z - AFF4TD NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4HR / AFF4AA / AFA4ZV / AFN4RD / AFA4NT / AFA4FH-T / AFD4FL

7527.0 HF-USB
0320Z - Camslant w/ Juliet-27 for flight opns

7887.0 HF-AM
2000Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 47551 08111 08761"

8806.0 HF-USB
1802Z - WLO Marine broadcast

9010.0 HF-USB
0314Z - Link-11 data transmission

9047.0 HF-USB
[15:23:08][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][0011AR ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05
0011AR - Arkansas Civil Air Patrol
[15:41:20][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][QWR ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05
QWR - Unknown

9121.5 HF-USB
0220Z - Link-11 data transmission

15043.0 HF-USB
[21:31:38][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 14 SN 04
JNR - Puerto Rico HF-GCS, Salinas, PR

15016.0 HF-USB
1600Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 44ET4K & 20 character EAM HPBWJ4
1630Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM 44ET4K
1700Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM 44ET4K
2045Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM 44LATG to All Stations
2104Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 22 character EAM 44LATG
2200Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 22 character EAM 44LATG
2234Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) starts FOXTROT msg then "disregard this transmission, Andrews out"
2235Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING, do not answer: AJ?; time: 35; authentication: ??
2236Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 22 character EAM 44LATG

Milcom Blog Logs - 24 Feb 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

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

3308.0 HF-USB
0201Z - AFF5OH NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFF5IL / AFF5MI

3317.5 HF-USB
0130Z - NNN0AEV NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0FBL / NNN0SVW / NNN0KOD / NNN0QGR

3325.0 HF-USB
0131Z - NNN0IEA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net: NNN0BHZ / NNN0QDN-T

3349.0 HF-USB
0108Z - NNN0KIP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 East Texas MARS 6E1B net

3370.5 HF-USB
0204Z - AFA6JY NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net: AFA6GG

3390.0 HF-USB
0204Z - Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0BIF / NNN0JOP / NNN0JYV / NNN0HBO / NNN0RBD / NNN0EVT

4007.0 HF-USB
0030Z - NNN0BQH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0APL / NNN0AAT / NNN0AXK / NNN0HAN-T

4008.5 HF-USB
0206Z - NNN0GLK NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 South Texas MARS 6S1B net: NNN0AHH / NNN0FBL

4011.0 HF-USB
0012Z - Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net: NNN0WKH / NNN0AHH
1404Z - Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D1C net: NNN0BQG / NNN0TUL / NNN0EHQ

4013.5 HF-USB
0106Z - NNN0BTG NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0LES / NNN0QLL

4020.9 HF-USB
0103Z - AAM6TTX NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6BH / AAR6TU
0207Z - AAM6AR NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6DT

4023.9 HF-USB
0102Z - AAR5GO NCS for the Army Region 5 Illinois AAA5RD/IL net: AAA5RD / AAR5KY-T

4026.9 HF-USB
0010Z - AAM4MS NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/J net: AAM4TMS / AAM4TY

4032.9 HF-LSB
2308Z - _____ pass NCS to AAA3PA for the Army Region 3 MARS (sound like) AAA3RD/A net: AAR3BU / AAR3FK / AAM3RP / AAM3TVA

4035.9 HF-USB
0106Z - AAR7AH NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAM7IA
0210Z - AAM7EMO conducting training on the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAR7AT
1411Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7AKS / AAM7EMO

4038.5 HF-USB
0210Z - NNN0TBK NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0AOC

4041.0 HF-USB
0032Z - NNN0GBN-4 NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N7C net: NNN0KQE / NNN0UAN / NNN0QCK-T / NNN0FFO / NNN0ABV

4506.0 HF-USB
1400Z - Red-Cloud-194 NCS for the North Central Region Nebraska "RED CLOUD" CAP net: Red-Cloud-335 / Red-Cloud-144 / Iowa CAP-04 / Red-Cloud-204

4517.0 HF-USB
1407Z - Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFN7NC commenting on the "strange" freq propagation

4604.0 HF-USB
0200Z - Red-Robin-170 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Michigan "Red-Robin" CAP net
1430Z - Red-Fox-## NCS for the Great Lakes "Blue Lake" Region CAP net
2301Z - Kentucky-CAP-148 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Kentucky CAP net: Blue-Mound-03 / Blue-Mound-08
2330Z - Columbus-04 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Ohio "Columbus" CAP net

4623.5 HF-USB
1509Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net: NNN0AFK / NNN0AQP

4627.0 HF-USB
0130Z - Wild-Wood-45 NCS for the Southwest Region Arkansas "Wild-Wood" CAP net

4721.0 HF-USB
[02:17:00][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][OFF ][AL0] BER 20 SN 05
OFF - Offutt HF-GCS, NE

4865.0 HF-USB
0358Z - Link-11 data transmission

5171.0 HF-USB
0356Z - Link-11 data transmission

6604.0 HF-USB
0506Z - New York Radio Volmet

6679.0 HF-USB
0504Z - Honolulu Radio Volmet

6739.0 HF-USB
0030Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGJIB4; 22 character EAM WGJFGE & 28 character EAM WGYXM6

6765.0 HF-USB
1550Z - AAT7WE NCS for the SHARES Northern Weekly net: AAR7AL / NNN0AQP / NNN0EPY /. NNN0OAR / NM08W

6855.0 HF-AM
2100Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 87251 38601 43602"

6910.0 HF-USB
1600Z - SHARES Southern Weekly net: NNN0VHO

6925.0 HF-USB
0301Z - Wolverine Radio / signed down approx 0307Z

7348.0 HF-USB
[16:06:13][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM ][AL0] BER 16 SN 05
FC6FEM - FEMA, Region 6

8912.0 HF-USB
[01:37:30][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][UHC ][AL0] BER 19 SN 07
UHC - Unknown

8992.0 HF-USB
1628Z - Fish Pond pass 32 character EAM HPF6JM

9121.5 HF-USB
0357Z - Link-11 data transmission

9462.0 HF-USB
[17:11:39][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM010 ][AL0] BER 17 SN 05
FC6FEM010 - FEMA, Region 6
[17:14:21][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8FEM ][AL0] BER 17 SN 05
FC8FEM - FEMA, Region 8
[17:18:34][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC4FEM ][AL0] BER 13 SN 04
FC4FEM - FEMA, Region 4
[17:21:28][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][CO8 ][AL0] BER 19 SN 05
CO8 - Colorado Office of Emergency Management
[17:21:31][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][CO8FEM ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06
CO8FEM - Colorado Office of Emergency Management Centennial, CO WGY 968
[17:24:24][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM ][AL0] BER 20 SN 05
FC6FEM - FEMA, Region 6
[17:31:46][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 14 SN 06
FC8 - FEMA, Region 8
[17:41:41][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][WV3FEM ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05
WV3FEM - West Virginia Office of Emergency Services Charleston, WV WGY 943
[17:50:44][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 14 SN 06
FC8 - FEMA, Region 8
[18:18:32][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC4 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05
FC4 - FEMA - Region 4

10194.0 HF-USB
1854Z - Link-11 data transmission
[21:04:03][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FR4FEM ][AL0] BER 19 SN 05
FR4FEM - FEMA, Region 4

11175.0 HF-USB
1628Z - Fish Pond pass 32 character EAM HPF6JM
1631Z - Herbert Field Radio Maint calz for radio check: Offutt Global (HF-GCS) responds
1631Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 32 character EAM HPF6JM to All Stations
1634Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 6 character EAM HPYOMS

13206.0 HF-USB
2253Z - Link-11 data transmission

14265.0 HF-USB
1508Z - SATERN Training net conducting early check-ins

14396.5 HF-USB
1533Z - NCS202 (TX) NCS for the SHARES National Admin net: AAV4AR / WGY9498 (GA) / AFA7HY / NCS312 (GA) / NNN0EBC / NNN0TFH / NNN0VHO

15016.0 HF-USB
0001Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGJIB4
0003Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) repeats 22 character EAM WGJFGE & 28 character EAM WGYXM6
0006Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING, do not answer: AIG; time: 06; authentication: YL
2119Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 44PRXC to All Stations
2126Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 442F7Z to All Stations
2128Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 44QHLM to All Stations
2132Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAMs: 442F7Z & 44PRXC
2136Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM 44WX4C to All Stations
2200Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) starts preamble associated w/ 28 character EAM 442F7Z then "disregard this transmission" statement
2201Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAMs: 44WX4C; 442F7Z & 44PRXC

Milcom Blog Logs - HF Feb 22-24, 2010 - Mid Atlantic

Our regular MMP reporter Ron P in the Mid Atlantic checks in again with his military/government HF logs from Feb 22-24. All times UTC and Frequencies in kHz.

22 Feb:

09047.0 054NHQCAP (Civil Air Patrol HQs, Maxwell AFB AL): 0500 USB/ALE sounding.

09047.0 060PCRCAP (Civil Air Patrol Pacfic Coast Region): 1200 USB/ALE sounding.

09047.0 0042NHCAP (Civil Air Patrol,New Hampshire): 1232 USB/ALE sounding.

15867.0 HIC (USCGC VIGILANT WMEC 617 Cape canaveral FL): 1308 USB/ALE sounding.

20890.0 RPM (USCGC LEGARE WMEC 912 Portsmouth VA): 1310 USB/ALE sounding.

08912.0 312 (USCGC Sanibel, WPB 1312 Woods Hole, MA): 1346 USB/ALE calling Z03 (USCG Sector Southeastern New England).

08912.0 KVQ (USCGC NANTUCKET WPB 1316 St Petersburg FL): 1615 USB/ALE calling TSC (US Customs National Law Enforcement Communications Center -- Technical Service Center, Orlando, FL).

08912.0 Z13 (USCG Sector Key West, FL): 1636 USB/ALE calling TSC.

08912.0 DCK (USCGC Sanibel, WPB 1312 Woods Hole, MA): 1925 USB/ALE calling Z03 (USCG Sector Southeastern New England) then in voice Sector advises they have the Sanibel L/C then go into ANDVT. Also on 7527.0.

08912.0 Z12 (USCG Sector Miami FL): 1929 USB/ALE w/BNW (USCG SITKINAK WPB 1329 Key West FL) then in ANDVT & voice.

23 Feb:

09047.0 AAPRIV (unid): 0800 USB/ALE sounding.

08340.0 4T8S (Venezuelan Navy LST/Capana class "Esequibo" T-62): 1333 LSB/ALE calling T8R1 (HQs, Venezuelan Navy).

09110.0 NMF (USCG Boston MA): 1858 FAX w/wind & wave forecast chart.

11253.0 RAF Wharton: 1902 USB w/volmet.

07535.0 SESEF Mayport: 2113 USB w/Charm (USS Wasp - LHD 1) testing various comms systems. Thanks to Jack M. for tip.

24 Feb:

04306.0 FC6FEM010 (Communications Manager, FEMA Region 6, Denton TX): 0052 USB/ALE sounding.

04490.0 KGD34 (HARES Master Coordination Station:Arlington, VA): 1300 USB/ALE sounding.

04490.0 KMN93 (US Department of State:Springfield, VA): 1320 USB/ALE sounding.

08346.5 O/M (Spanish): 2205 USB w/O/M (Spanish).

08870.0 O/M (Australian EE): 2248 USB w/O/M (Australian EE). Out-of-band acty.

08290.0 T8R1 (HQs Venezuelan Navy): 2330 LSB/ALE calling 1W1S (Capana-class Medium Landing Ship " Capana", T-61).

08279.0 O/M (Spanish): 2345 USB w/O/M (Spanish).

11175.0 McClellan: 2357 USB w/King 24 (USAF HC-130) w/pp to DSN 467-XXXX (unid Metro) w/request for 0130Z wx at Montgomery AL, Birmingham AL & Huntsville AL.

Makin Island Continues on Road to Full Fleet Readiness

The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) launches a NATO Sea Sparrow missile from the forward NATO mount while underway off the coast of Southern California conducting ship self-defense system operational testing and evaluation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Douglas Bedford/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Tiffani Paredes, USS Makin Island Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Makin Island (LHD 8) returned to port Feb. 24 following a weeklong underway that focused on Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) operational testing and evaluation.

With last fall's long-anticipated commissioning finished, Makin Island's crew has focused on preparations for Final Contractor Trials (FCT) later this year.

Although preparations began well before commissioning, Operations Officer Cmdr. Max DuPont said it is an ongoing process, and the command still has a way to go.

"After [FCTs], the ship is a true Fleet asset, and the Fleet can fully employ all the capabilities that LHD8 brings," said DuPont. "It's like buying a car. The warranty and break-in period is about to end on all the work [Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast] has done, so you want make sure it's right, and you want to run it through its full paces and have a mechanic make sure everything's right before you say, 'Yes, I'm ready take this car on a long cross-country trip.'"

The "mechanics" DuPont referred to are the evaluators from the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), who evaluates new ships and existing ships for congress.

To help prepare for that, and to assess Makin Island's new SSDS system, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) evaluators spent this past week testing weapons systems, such as the Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) and the NATO Sea Sparrow Missile Launcher, for functionality and tracking effectiveness. Earlier in the week Expeditionary Strike Group 3 personnel assisted in the crew's mock runs of common FCT evolutions such as equipment and procedure inspections and space walkthroughs.

ESG's efforts played an integral part in LHD8's preparations by helping to identify and validate concerns that that will be fixed in preparation for FCT.

Watchstanders were also tested for operator proficiency by OPTEVFOR. Using years of training, including that from Makin Island's tenure as a pre-commissioning unit, they demonstrated the weapons systems' abilities to challenge different types of targets.

"During SSDS testing, aircraft that would approach the ship were equipped with jamming pods and other tactical gear that flexed the ship's weapons systems," DuPont said. "These aircraft would run various profiles -- high altitude to low altitude, sea skimming, multiple aircraft -- in an effort to test our combat systems' responsiveness. A recommended engagement meant a system responded properly, which they each did."

Operations Department's Lt. Cmdr. Chad Simpson also pointed out that training has become much more scenario-based for the crew's benefit.

"We've actually remodeled [some of the scenarios] so that they're consistent, more realistic and are better for the operators overall," said Simpson.

In fact, Simpson said all of this at-sea period's training prepares the crew early for transition from an industrial environment, when the ship goes into its Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) this spring, to full-performance mode after FCTs. Once the crew proves they combat readiness, ship operability and self-training, they will be ready to move onto the next chapter in Makin Island's young history – deployment.

"Every time this awesome ship gets underway we gain more confidence in the systems and realize the truly advanced capabilities this unique ship brings to the fleet," said Executive Officer, Capt. Jim Landers. "The crew is ready to load up the blue-green team of the Navy and Marine Corps and get in the game!"

ESG 5 Participates in Multinational Maritime Defense Exercise

USS CLEVELAND, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Cleveland (LPD 7) participated in a joint, combined maritime defense exercise Feb. 16, with Commander, Task Force Iraqi Maritime (CTF IM), a coalition-led task force responsible for providing maritime security, infrastructure protection, and training to the Iraqi Navy.

"One of our key missions in CTF IM is to defend maritime infrastructure that is essential to Iraq's prosperity," said CTF IM Commodore Chris Richards. "I am confident that the training conducted during this exercise significantly improved our capacity to perform that mission."

Cleveland's embarked Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) supported the exercise with two AH-1W Super Cobras from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166.

The attack helicopters worked with six United States and United Kingdom surface combatants operating near the Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) in the North Arabian Gulf to improve rotary wing function in maritime infrastructure protection.

"This was the first time a Marine attack helicopter integrated in the air defense efforts for the oil platform," said Marine Corps Capt. Ryan Welborn, one of the Cobra pilots from Cleveland who flew during the exercise. "We learned a lot during this mission set."
CTF IM, located on ABOT, served as the on-scene commander for the exercise.

"Any exercise integrating rotary and fixed wing aircraft in maritime security operations should be seized, and the 11th MEU team made it easy for us to take full advantage of the opportunity," said Richards. "It was a beneficial, rewarding experience, made even more so because of the skill, enthusiasm, and flexibility demonstrated by the pilots and air crews of these exceptionally capable aircraft."

Participating British ships included the frigate HMS Monmouth (F235) and Royal Auxiliary Amphibious Assault Vessel RFA Cardigan Bay (L3009).

"Training with the crews of the Monmouth and Cardigan Bay was an excellent opportunity to develop a cohesive and relevant naval force capable of protecting critical infrastructure that accounts for approximately 80 percent of Iraq's gross domestic product," said Capt. Kevin Couch, commanding officer for Cleveland, an Austin-Class amphibious transport dock.

Other participating U.S. vessels included coastal patrol ships USS Sirocco (PC 6) and USS Typhoon (PC 5), guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) and USCGC Adak (WPB 1333).

"Cleveland's participation in the exercise demonstrated our ability to build effective partnerships in the maritime domain and develop the skills necessary to provide critical infrastructure protection in the North Arabian Gulf," said Couch.

Cleveland is part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th MEU team, which has been supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet region, has been deployed since November 2009. Marines aboard the ready group's ships serve as U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's in-theater reserve force – a forward-deployed, quick-response team, capable of accomplishing a variety of missions.

Freedom Interrupts Drug Delivery in Western Caribbean

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, embarked aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1), hovers over the position of illicit drugs dumped overboard by the crew of a high-speed "go-fast" vessel. Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from Freedom, left, and Colombian navy sailors in a patrol boat search the area beneath the helicopter. Freedom's boarding team recovered 247 kilos of cocaine from the Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)

USS FREEDOM, At Sea (NNS) -- The littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Freedom (LCS 1) achieved its first drug seizure Feb. 22 when it disrupted a high-speed "go-fast" vessel and recovered more than a quarter of a ton of cocaine.

Freedom, with embarked Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, an LCS Surface Warfare Mission Package and a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), was conducting counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) operations in U.S. 4th Fleet's Area of Responsibility when its crew located the vessel.

A MH-60S Sea Hawk from HSC 22 responded quickly and coordinated with Freedom and air assets from Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S) to provide location data on the surface target of interest.

Following interception by the MH-60S, the vessel jettisoned its illicit cargo in the western Caribbean Sea. The "go-fast" subsequently entered Colombian waters, where the Colombian Navy took over the tracking and pursuit mission.

A response team of Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from Freedom coordinated with a Colombian Navy patrol boat and Colombian patrol aircraft to retrieve seven bales and 72 kilos of cocaine from the water. The drugs were seized by the LEDET as evidence in preparation for possible criminal prosecution.

The coordinated actions of the Navy, Coast Guard and JIATF-S with Colombian surface and aviation assets were instrumental to the successful interdiction of narcotics.

"Our combined team of ship's crew, (LCS Surface Warfare) Mission Package, aviation detachment and Coast Guard LEDET showed great teamwork and resolve," said Cmdr. Randy Garner, Freedom's commanding officer.

One of the unique features of the LCS is the flexibility and adaptability to configure from one warfare specialty to another – called "mission packages." Freedom currently is configured with its LCS Surface Warfare Mission Package, designed to combat small, fast-boat threats to the fleet.

Freedom, which will be homeported in San Diego, is currently on its maiden deployment in the Caribbean and the coasts of Central and South America under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. Freedom is conducting CIT operations in support of JIATF-S, U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Coast Guard District 7.

Milcom Blog Logs - 23 Feb 2010 - 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
0113Z - AFF4CX NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S1 net: AFA4BO / AFA4CD / AFF4MS / AFA4IB / AFA4II

3308.0 HF-USB
0117Z - AFA5JS NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 5 Illinois MARS 5ILS1 net: AFA5PK
0208Z - AFF7MO NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFA7LY

3317.5 HF-USB
0132Z - NNN0AZM NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0KOD / NNN0THC / NNN0QGR / NNN0SVW

3325.0 HF-USB
0132Z - NNN0KBP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net: NNN0BON / NNN0ITN / NNN0QCN-T

3390.0 HF-USB
0204Z - NNN0ICX NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0XPU / NNN0JOP / NNN0RBD

4002.9 HF-LSB
0108Z - AAR4TA NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/K net: AAV4FX - Alt NCS / AAV4TY / AAR4CX

4007.0 HF-USB
0002Z - NNN0FCT NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net
0030Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0XEE / NNN0SXU / NNN0BQH

4011.0 HF-USB
0003Z - NNN0AHH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net
1406Z - Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D1C net: NNN0YGW / NNN0AHH / NNN0POY

4013.5 HF-USB
0107Z - NNN0BTG NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net

4020.9 HF-USB
0107Z - AAR6LN NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6TU

4026.9 HF-USB
2303Z - AAA4KY NCS for the Army Region 4 Kentucky MARS AAA4KY/A net: AAM4KY

4032.9 HF-LSB
0106Z - AAA3DE NCS for an Army Region 3 MARS net: AAR3CN
2304Z - Unidentified Army Region 3 MARS net: AAR3WZ

4035.9 HF-USB
0105Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAT7CN / AAR7AT
0202Z - AAR7PB NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAR7AT / AAM7EMO / AAA7NE / AAR7AL / AAM7ANE / AAR7AO
1412Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7RT / AAA7MO

4038.5 HF-USB
0203Z - NNN0PCC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0AOC / AAA9EC / NNN0ANX
0313Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0SYH / NNN0QAA / NNN0EZC / NNN0SWS-T

4041.0 HF-USB
0032Z - NNN0ANN NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N5B net: NNN0KRQ / NNN0FCW
0102Z - NNN0KQE w/ NNN0AHH

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

4517.0 HF-USB
1402Z - AFE7DM NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFA7PE

4604.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Red-Fire-281 Alt NCS for the Great Lakes Region Indiana "Red_Fire" CAP net
0030Z - Red-Fox-93 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red_Fox" CAP net
1500Z - Great Lakes "Blue Lake" Region CAP net under hvy QRM
2230Z - Red-Fox-98 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red_Fox" CAP net
2230Z - Kentucky CAP-148 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Kentucky CAP net
2330Z - Great Lakes Region Ohio "Columbus" CAP net conduct roll-call

4623.5 HF-USB
0032Z - NNN0AQP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I2B net: NNN0SCV / NNN0REN
1508Z - NNN0EHQ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net: NNN0OAR / NNN0SCV

4630.0 HF-USB
0100Z - Texas-CAP-524 NCS for the Southwest Region Texas CAP net

4721.0 HF-USB
[04:17:41][CHN 01][AQC SND][ ][TIS][ICWIUO ][AL0] BER 11 SN 03 NOISE 00
ICWIUO - Unknown

4724.0 HF-USB
0200Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats three 28 character EAMs: WGR4ZV, WG2DWL & WGT2VP

4865.0 HF-USB
0253Z - Link-11 data transmission

5171.0 HF-USB
0253Z - Link-11 data transmission

5898.0 HF-AM
0803Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc

6739.0 HF-USB
0035Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGTZVP
0037Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING, do not answer: 2JJ; time: 37; authentication: QRM fm 6742
0100Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats three 28 character EAMs: WGR4ZV, WG2DWL & WGT2VP
0130Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats two 28 character EAMs: WGR4ZV & WG2DWL
0134Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING, do not answer: N4E; time: 34; authentication: F?
0134Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGT2VP

6742.0 HF-USB
0038Z - Shark-41 switching to 3 MHz in green ATT

7302.0 HF-USB
1404Z - AFN6VN NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M1 net: AFA6HL / AFA6LB

7457.0 HF-USB
1403Z - AFE4ET NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4VG / AFA4NG

8992.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGTZVP
0004Z - 201 de 111
0004Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WG2DWL to All Stations
0018Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGR4ZV to All Stations
0030Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats two 28 character EAMs: WGR4ZV & WG2DWL then starts 3rd EAM before making "disregard this transmission" statement

9025.0 HF-USB
[12:14:40][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06
ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD

9047.0 HF-USB
[15:31:13][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][0011AR ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05
0011AR - Arkansas Civil Air Patrol HQ element
[15:31:17][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06
0011ARCAP - Arkansas Civil Air Patrol HQ element

10194.0 HF-USB
[19:18:23][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC4FEM ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05
FC4FEM - FEMA, Region 4
[19:20:32][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM ][AL0] BER 19 SN 05
FC6FEM - FEMA, Region 6

13206.0 HF-USB
1907Z - Link-11 data transmission

15016.0 HF-USB
1604Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) correction Offutt (HF-GCS) starts EAM HPCMIM before reverting to "disregard this transmission, de Andrews correction de Offutt out" statement to All Stations
1604Z - _______ (HF-GCS) pass 32 character EAM HPCMIM to All Stations
1620Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 6 character EAM HPPPDL to All Stations
1630Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 32 character EAM HPCMIM
1636Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGMAUO to All Stations
1639Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WG373L to All Stations
1652Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 6 character EAM HPCYR2 to All Stations
1656Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 20 character EAM HP6I6F to All Stations
1700Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING, do not answer: 424; time: 00; authentication: FP
1700Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats two 28 character EAMs: WG373L & WGMAUO followed by 32 character EAM HPCMIM
1707Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WG54XQ to All Stations
1730Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats two 28 character EAMs: WG54XQ & WG373L followed by 32 character EAM HPCMIM
1800Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats two 28 character EAMs: WG54XQ & WG373L followed by 32 character EAM HPCMIM
1915Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) (soft speaking YL) pass Foxtrot msg
2130Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGUMAP
2132Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGZAFD to All Stations
2200Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGZAFD
2230Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGZAFD
2233Z - Reach-483-Tango calz ____ w no joy noted
2254Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGY74D to All Stations
2300Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGYXM6 to All Stations
2330Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAMs WGYXM6 & WGY74D
2337Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM WGJFGE to All Stations
2344Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGJIBY to All Stations

USS Essex Arrives in Singapore

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Greg Johnson, USS Essex Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived in Singapore for a scheduled port visit Feb. 22.

During the visit, Essex Sailors will have an opportunity to experience Singaporean culture. Scheduled activities include a ship tour for local second graders and a sports day with local youth athletes.

"The crew is really looking forward to visiting Singapore," said Capt. Troy Hart, Essex's commanding officer. "It's a place we haven't been in many years, and it's nice to go to new places and learn about new cultures. Any time we have the chance to interact with the local community, it's a great opportunity for us to learn about them and for them to learn about us."

One of those intercultural opportunities will be a sports day, when Sailors from throughout the Essex Amphibious Ready Group will compete with local Singaporean youth sports teams in basketball, soccer, softball and baseball.

"It should be a great opportunity to get out there with the local teams and experience some camaraderie and make some new friends," said Lt. j.g. Andria Jones, Essex's athletic officer.

Jones said she was thrilled when she found out about the opportunity to compete with Singaporean youth athletic teams and many Essex Sailors share her enthusiasm for the event.

"It's not very often you have an opportunity to play sports against people from a different culture," said Personnel Specialist Seaman Clinton Heller, of Jonesboro, Ind. "It should be a great time, because even with the language barrier, sports can transcend everything."

Sports day will be just one of many opportunities for Essex Sailors to exchange culture with Singaporeans during the port visit. The ship is also scheduled to host a tour for third grade students of the Singapore American School. Twenty-five students and five adults will see Essex's amphibious and humanitarian capabilities firsthand, including the ship's well deck, flight deck and medical facilities.

"This will be an excellent opportunity for the kids to see Essex up close and personal," said Capt. Dave Fluker, Essex's executive officer. "Many of them may have never had the opportunity to see a Navy ship before, and we'd like to show them what our ship and our Sailors do day in and day out. I am confident that it will be an experience they'll remember for a long time."

Many Essex Sailors are also expecting an experience they'll remember for a long time, as they enjoy liberty in the world's largest city-state.

"It should be a pretty cool port," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class (SW) Brandon Rambus, who is visiting Singapore for the first time. "I hear they've got a Universal Studios here, so we're really looking forward to checking that out."

Essex, commanded by Capt. Troy Hart, is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is currently conducting spring patrol in the Western Pacific.

Patriot Departs Cambodia after Training with Royal Cambodian Navy

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin, USS Patriot Public Affairs

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (NNS) -- Sailors from mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) departed Cambodia Feb. 22 after a week of training with sailors from the Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN).

Training was conducted in the classroom, on the pier and at sea.

In the classroom, Patriot and RCN sailors sat side-by-side while the theory and practice of mine warfare was explained by Patriot crew members.

"I think this class is very, very good for Cambodian Navy, because Cambodian Navy, we want to know about clearing mine underwater," said Cmdr. In Sokhemra of the RCN.

RCN sailors also toured Patriot while pierside in Sihanoukville.

"The materials in the ship are very modern, and in every room everybody is on duty and they respect their own jobs," said RCN Lt. Tim Monipisey of the tour.

Damage-control training was conducted on the pier beside Patriot and involved both cooperative, hands-on demonstrations as well as Patriot Sailors demonstrating US Navy techniques.

"Very, very good training, guys are teaching the Cambodian Navy a lot of good points on the way we fight fires, and we're learning a lot from them also on how they apply their firefighting efforts," said Damage Controlman 1st Class Arturo Chavez, lead Patriot instructor.

Chavez also noted that the RCN sailors were attentive and eager students, "you can see it, everybody wants to put on a self contained breathing apparatus, everybody wants to see the emergency evacuation breathing device and they're all curious about the extinguisher and how it works."

"This training might save somebody's life, that's the whole point," noted Chavez.

Ten RCN sailors went underway with Patriot to observe a minesweeping drill, sonar operations, and a man-overboard recovery.

"It went well despite the language barrier. I think they understood the concept, and learned a few things today about how we do minesweep operations," said Chief Mineman William Brown of the minesweeping demonstration.

RCN Lt. Chum Horn agreed, "I think that this sort of minesweeping is a good technical demonstration on how to operate on the sea."

The week of training concluded with volleyball and soccer games between the Patriot and RCN sailors.

"It was an excellent game," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Bryan Docker. "According to the score, they're definitely much better than we are. It's obvious that they're well practiced, and I appreciate the fact that they schooled us."

RCN sailors won the soccer game 6-2.

Patriot is one of four mine-countermeasures ships permanently forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan. The crew reports to Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet. They are currently conducting their spring patrol throughout the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans.

VAQ 136 Prowls at Cope North

Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Stacy Brown, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, conducts maintenance on an EA-6B Prowler. VAQ-136 is participating in Cope North, a two-week annual bilateral exercise between U.S. forces and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. VAQ-136 is homeported at Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Corwin Colbert/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Corwin Colbert, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 from Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan, participated in Exercise Cope North 10-1 Feb. 7-19 at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam.

Cope North is a bilateral field exercise between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).

VAQ 136 had three EA-6B Prowlers used during the exercise to simulate combat missions against the U.S. Air Force and JASDF.

"This is a good opportunity for all sides to learn how each side operates," said Lt. Dick Rosenbusch, a VAQ 136 naval flight officer.

According to Rosenbusch, the Prowler's primary mission is to support strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within a combat area.

"Think electronic warfare," Rosenbusch said. "The Prowler is not your typical fighter. It is not a strike fighter, which has both air-to-air and air-to-ground strike capabilities. They do have, however, air-to-ground capabilities but that is not the primary mission. The primary mission is to jam enemy radars allowing our strikers to get within range of a target without being shot down."

VAQ 136's maintenance crew spent countless hours making sure the aircraft were safe and operational.

"We start working at 5 in the morning, performing inspections and general service requirements," said Chief Aviation Maintenance (AW) Toby Spanos, with VAQ 136. "Each inspection could be as long as three hours per plane during pre-flight and post-flight. It's an old bird, so the maintenance can be pretty labor intensive."

Cope North provides a venue for cooperation between U.S. and Japanese forces and to improve capabilities for the defense of Japan. The primary focus is readiness and coordination and evaluation of air tactics, techniques and procedures between U.S. forces and the JASDF.

E-6B performs successful in functional check flight after upgrade

Ace79 filed the following on the FlightGlobal AirSpace Forum:

The U.S. Navy’s E-6B performed a successful functional check flight after an eight-month modification. The flight took place last week at the Boeing Defense, Space & Security facility in Wichita.

"Our team has done a great job of overcoming challenges on a developmental program to make our Functional Check Flight on schedule," said Andy Reheis, the Navy Programs program manger for Boeing’s Global Transport & Executive Systems business. "To get a first installation of IPBE (Internet Protocol Bandwidth Expansion) on schedule says a lot about our team and their support to our customer."

The primary mission of the E-6B, a modified Boeing 707, is as a communications relay platform for very low frequency transmissions to the nation’s nuclear forces. The current modification is for the IPBE phase 1. IPBE program is designed to give the E-6B greater connectivity, Boeing is teamed with Rockwell Collins on the program.

"The IPBE program takes the E-6B into the digital age and we look forward to delivering this capability to our Navy customer," said Reheis.

Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems is headquartered in Wichita, Kan., and is responsible for supporting all Boeing aircraft in the executive fleet. In addition to the E-6B GTES supports VC-25, C-32A, C-40B,C as well as the Navy’s C-40A and the National Command Authority’s E-4B.

See a related story on an E-4B's return to service last week at the link below:
http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2010/02/boeing-wichita-returns-e-4b-naoc.html

Command officials dedicated to bomber mission

ORLANDO, Fla. (AFNS) -- Air Force Global Strike Command's top officer emphasized his command's dedication to the bomber mission during the Air Force Association's Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 19 here.

"Let me state right up front," said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, the AFGSC commander. "Global Strike Command (Airmen are) absolutely committed to providing robust and relentless advocacy for current and future bomber capabilities; in the conventional, as well as in the nuclear realm."

Bombers have always been at the "heart and soul" of the Air Force since its very beginnings, General Klotz said.

"The ability to hold at risk or strike any target anywhere in the world" is one of the 12 Air Force core functions," he said.

He acknowledged that the B-52 Stratofortress and the B-2 Spirit bombers, which came under his responsibility Feb. 1, were "aging aircraft."

"As such, our bomber force faces significant challenges in terms of sustainment of current capabilities and the modernization of the existing platforms to exploit their full potential in the joint fight," the general said.

He emphasized that nuclear-capable bombers remain a vitally important component of the "triad" of nuclear forces -- intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles being the other two legs of the triad -- that serve to deter attacks against the United States, as well as its allies and partners. And he underscored the bombers' powerful non-nuclear, or "conventional," capabilities.

General Klotz addressed the issue of how nuclear and conventional operations will coexist in Air Force Global Strike Command.

"I'm often asked how we will be able to balance emphasis on both the nuclear and conventional missions of the bombers and airmen assigned to Global Strike Command," the general said. "The simple fact is that this is not a new challenge."

Bombers played a significant conventional role in conflicts from World War II through current actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, General Klotz said.

The bomber's "role was not limited strictly to the nuclear mission, even during the most intense periods of the Cold War," the general said.

The general also updated the audience on the "methodical, step-by-step" stand-up of the Air Force's new major command, noting the assumption of the ICBM mission Dec. 1, the command's assumption of long-range, nuclear-capable B-2 and B-52 bombers Feb. 1, and the plan to attain 'full operational capability' by the end of the summer.

Officials reactivated the 69th Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., in September. The 69th BS became the second operational B-52 squadron at Minot AFB, "thus mirroring Barksdale (AFB)," which has two operational B-52 squadrons, the general said.

"This move will help balance the workload between nuclear deterrence and conventional missions, not only at Minot (AFB), but across the entire B-52 force," he said.

The new people and jets have already begun to arrive in a phased deployment that will be complete by this spring, he said. The action will ultimately bring 10 additional B-52s and more than 800 people to Minot AFB.

Milcom Blog Logs - 22 Feb 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

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

3308.0 HF-USB
0109Z - AFN7NC NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCADS1 net: AFA5NF
1207Z - AFA7RA NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCM2 net: AFA5ML

3317.5 HF-USB
0032Z - NNN0KOD NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net

3325.0 HF-USB
0030Z - NNN0GAQ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B2Z net: NNN0GAQ-3 / NNN0GAQ-6

3341.0 HF-USB
[02:03:03][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 9 SN 06
FC8 - FEMA, Region 8

3963.0 HF-LSB
0029Z - Missouri Emergency Services Net (MESN) closed down

4002.9 HF-LSB
0102Z - AAA4TN NCS for the Army Region 4 Tennessee MARS AAA4TN/A net: AAM4ITN / AAM4ATN / AAR4CY

4007.0 HF-USB
0004Z - NNN0FCT NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net: NNN0AJJ / AAR7HB (IA)
0030Z - NNN0XYA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0XEE

4008.5 HF-USB
0003Z - QRM fm Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net covers Navy/MC Region 6 Louisiana MARS 6L1B net
0102Z - NNN0AZO NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Oklahoma MARS 6O1B net: NNN0QNN / NNN0OGD / NNN0AJJ

4011.0 HF-USB
0002Z - NNN0AHH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net: NNN0AFW / NNN0AFT / NNN0KUR / NNN0HPU
1431Z - NNN0YGW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D1C net: NNN0TUL / NNN0AMY

4013.5 HF-USB
0104Z - NNN0BTG NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0VWV

4020.9 HF-USB
0007Z - AAM6LA NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAT6UY / AAR6GD
0106Z - AAA6TX NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6LN / AAR6GW / AAR6TV / AAM6TTX
1213Z - AAR6CE NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6SR
1445Z - AAM6ETX NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6GE

4026.9 HF-USB
0011Z - AAM4NC NCS for the Army Region 4 North Carolina MARS AAA4NC/A net: AAM4ENC / AAV4TY / AAV4VN / AAR4TX
1219Z - AAM4KY NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/B net: AAR4VB-T

4035.9 HF-USB
1449Z - AAM7IA NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7AKS / AAR7FB-T

4038.5 HF-USB
0302Z - NNN0GAA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0SFO / NNN0GAA-1-13 / NNN0GAA-4

4470.5 HF-USB
0301Z - NNN0GLL NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 North / South Dakota MARS 8S1B net

4604.0 HF-USB
2230Z - Red-Fox-93 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red-Fox" CAP net

4623.5 HF-USB
1500Z - NNN0EQH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net: NNN0AQP / NNN0HFC / NNN0OAR

4721.0 HF-USB
[01:18:49][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05
ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD
[03:16:06][CHN 01][TO ][HAW ][TWS][OFF ][AL0] BER 13 SN 04
HAW - Ascension Island HF-GCS
OFF - Offutt HF-GCS, NE

4724.0 HF-USB
0034Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats two 28 character EAMs: WGBT5U & WGRQ2N
0100Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 22 character EAM WG2SUU & two 28 character EAMs: WGBT5U & WGRQ2N
0120Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING, do not answer: (sound like) GEK; time: 20; authentication: ??

4825.0 HF-USB
2313Z - Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X4B net: NNN0WYC

4865.0 HF-USB
0142Z - Link-11 data transmission

5171.0 HF-USB
0142Z - Link-11 data transmission

6739.0 HF-USB
0130Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 22 character EAM WG2SUU & two 28 character EAMs: WGBT5U & WGRQ2N
0200Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) starts repeat of 22 character EAM WG2SUU then states: "disregard this transmission, Andrews out"
0201Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 22 character EAM WG2SUU & two 28 character EAMs: WGBT5U & WGRQ2N

6855.0 HF-AM
2122Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc (# 3 msg indicator: 30561)

7887.0 HF-AM
2000Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 83441 10442 31831"

8012.0 HF-USB
[15:22:21][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][0011AR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 07
0011AR - Arkansas Civil Air Patrol HQ element

9121.5 HF-USB
0246Z - Link-11 data transmission

10162.0 HF-USB
[19:32:55][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][100SWR ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05
100SWR - Southwest Region CAP HQ element

10194.0 HF-USB
[16:50:31][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 04
FC8 - FEMA, Region 8
[17:50:27][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 04
FC8 - FEMA, Region 8
[18:03:34][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 04
FC8 - FEMA, Region 8
[19:16:14][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6 ][AL0] BER 10 SN 04
FC8 - FEMA, Region 8

15016.0 HF-USB
0017Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGRQ2N to All Stations
0022Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGVT5U to All Stations
0030Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM WG2SUU to All Stations
1547Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 6 character EAM HPEYPU to All Stations
1551Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 6 character EAM HPXIJM to All Stations
1556Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGKOIN to All Stations
1600Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeat 28 character EAM WGKOIN
1603Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGSV6F to All Stations
1605Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats two 6 character EAMs HPXIJM & HPEYPU
2001Z - _______ (HF-GCS) pass FOXTROT msg http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2006/08/dod-emergency-action-message-eam.html
2132Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGKUF4 to All Stations
2200Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGKUF4
2230Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGKUF4
2357Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGTZVP to All Stations

15043.0 HF-USB
[21:23:45][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 5 SN 05
MCC - McClellan HF-GCS, CA

Milcom Blog Logs - 21 Feb 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

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

3308.0 HF-USB
0104Z - AFF7KS NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCM4 net: AFA5CS / AFA5TC
0200Z - AFA7GD NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net

3325.0 HF-USB
0133Z - NNN0IEA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net: NNN0ABM / NNN0BON
2332Z - NNN0QCQ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D3B net

3370.5 HF-USB
0201Z - AFA6DV NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net: AFA6IY / AFA6IE

3390.0 HF-USB
0202Z - NNN0RBC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0RBD

4002.9 HF-LSB
0107Z - AAM4ETN NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/K net (identified as the TN Technical Net): AAA4RD / AAA4TN / AAA4AL / AAM4TN / AAR4LB / AAR4TX / AAV4YZ
2300Z - NNN0TWT NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/ M net

4007.0 HF-USB
0002Z - NNN0AMY NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net
0030Z - NNN0BQH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0AXK

4008.5 HF-USB
0003Z - Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net buries Navy/MC Region 6 Louisiana MARS 6L1B net under QRM
0100Z - NNN0AZO NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Oklahoma MARS 6O1B net: NNN0AJJ / NNN0IVV
0203Z - NNN0FWM NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 South Texas MARS 6S1B net: NNN0VHO

4011.0 HF-USB
1405Z - NNN0GAR NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D2A net: NNN0AS71 / NNN0AS74

4013.5 HF-USB
0100Z - NNN0LSO NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0ZEZ / NNN0ZEU-T / NNN0XPU
1409Z - Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X1B net: NNN0ANX

4020.9 HF-USB
0115Z - AAR6OA NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net
0205Z - AAM6OK NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAA6RD (ref to expanding the monthly TX MOBEX to include "customers" in OK & LA plus more "interaction" w/ FEMA as result of conference in San Antonio) / AAM6LA

4035.9 HF-USB
0207Z - AAM7RT NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net - net went to CW
1412Z - AAR7DZ NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7EMO / AAV7BC / AAT7CJ

4038.5 HF-USB
0208Z - NNN0ANX NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0RBA / NNN0RBD / NNN0AJJ
0300Z - NNN0EVT NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0SYH / NNN0EZC / NNN0SVK
4011Z - NNN0TWA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H1B net: NNN0RBD

4041.0 HF-USB
0030Z - NNN0FKW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Ohio MARS 5N5B net: NNN0OON

4517.0 HF-USB
1404Z - AFD7MO NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 7 Missouri MARS 7MOS1 net: AFF5MI / AFA7MU
1506Z - AFF7NE NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 7 Nebraska MARS 7NES1 net: AFE5PI

4721.0 HF-USB
[02:45:45][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 12 SN 04
ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD

4724.0 HF-USB
0014Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGM5JX

4825.0 HF-USB
2304Z - NNN0KIP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X4B net: NNN0YFA / NNN0HKQ / NNN0FWM / NNN0WKH

4865.0 HF-USB
0310Z - Link-11 data transmission

5078.5 HF-USB
1907Z - 7X4B close down (repeated x 2)

5171.0 HF-USB
0310Z - Link-11 data transmission

6739.0 HF-USB
0014Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGM5JX
0031Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 203 character EAM W3BQ46
0039Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGM5JX
0120Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 6 character EAM HP6R7W to All Stations
0130Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 6 character EAM HP6R7W
0200Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 6 character EAM HP6R7W
0230Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 6 character EAM HP6R7W
0300Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 6 character EAM HP6R7W

6855.0 HF-AM
2000Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 81852 40812 21511"

7302.0 HF-USB
1504Z - AFF6EC NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M4 net: AFA6LL

7457.0 HF-USB
1401Z - AFA4CV NCS for the Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4WG / AFD4AL

7887.0 HF-AM
2000Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 81852 40812 21511"

8983.0 HF-USB
1418Z - Camslant w/ CG 2128: who assigned you your current squawk?
1423Z - Camslant w/ CG 2128 for same question this time said AS Miami rqsted to know. 2128 respond assigned by ATC & on IFR clearance
1431Z - Camslant rqst flight opns, position, course & speed fm CG 2128

8992.0 HF-USB
0004Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 203 character EAM W3BQ46
0014Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGM5JX

9121.5 HF-USB
0314Z - Link-11 data transmission

9224.0 HF-USB
[22:02:35][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][WWLNNN ][AL0] BER 10 SN 05
WWLNNN - NNN0WWL

11175.0 HF-USB
0014Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGM5JX

11226.0 HF-USB
[17:34:58][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 14 SN 06
ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD

13200.0 HF-USB
0014Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGM5JX
1609Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 48 character EAM HPCZIJ

14389.0 HF-USB
1600Z - Air Force Phone Patch Admin Net APCN1: AFA1RE

15010.0 HF-USB
1738Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) provide pp for Teton-50: rqst Customs & ETA is 1320 (must be local somewhere) & you are 3 hours out. Snow on ground, clearing ?runways? Will notify Maj ___ & MSGT ____. 2nd pp to Andrews AFB Metro for conditions @ Cheyenne, WY @ 2030Z

15016.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGM5JX
0004Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 203 character EAM W3BQ46
0014Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGM5JX
1609Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 48 character EAM HPCZIJ
1630Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGGVS3
1700Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGGVS3
1730Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGGVS3
1733Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) w/ Teton-50 for pp to XXX-XXXX; QSY 15010
1759Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGQ5OV to All Stations
1849Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGU4MM to All Stations
1850Z - West Coast TACAMO pass EAM which might have been the WGQ5OV based upon partial msg stream
1950Z - West Coast TACAMO pass 28 character EAM WGQ5OV
1950Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) overrides associate signal to pass 28 character EAM WGIXER to All Stations
2000Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 6 character EAM HPK4KD prefaced "For Moon Drop" to All Stations
2001Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM WGIXER
2020Z - West Coast TACAMO pass ## character EAM
2030Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 6 character EAM HPK4KD prefaced "For Moon Drop" & 28 character EAM WGIXER
2050Z - West Coast TACAMO pass 28 character EAM WGIXER
2051Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 20 character EAM HPLOFW prefaced "Blue Fox" to All Stations
2100Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 20 character EAM HP52BJ then "disregard this transmission, Andrews out"
2102Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 20 character EAM HP52BJ prefaced "Blue Fox"
2111Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGDOHI to All Stations
2120Z - West Coast TACAMO pass 28 character EAM WGDOHI
2218Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM WGMZRP to All Stations
2220Z - West Coast TACAMO passes preamble for 28 character EAM WGDOHI then "disregard this transmission" statement
2225Z - ________ pass 22 character EAM WBMZRP followed by 28 character EAM WGDOHI
2248Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) calz AIL-201 (sounded liked)
2252Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 20 character EAM HPV347 to All Stations

Milcom Blog Logs - HF Feb 18-21, 2010 - Mid Atlantic

Our regular MMP reporter Ron P in the Mid Atlantic checks in again with his military/government HF logs from Feb 18-21. All times UTC and Frequencies in kHz.

18 Feb:

09025.0 NW1 (Nightwatch E-4B NAOC, Offutt AFB NE): 1255 USB/ALE w/HIK (Hickam AFB HI) for readability check. Also w/ADW (Andrews AFB MD) w/AMD msg readability check.

08337.6 PCR (USCGC DALLAS WHEC 716 Charleston, SC-deployed to Caribbean): 1354 USB/ALE sounding. ANDVT also noted.

09025.0 MCC (HF-GCS McClellan AFB CA): 1408 USB/ALE w/GUA (HF-GCS Agana Guam) in voice & AMD readability checks.

12222.0 EST (US Customs AMOC Eastern Regional Communications Node): 1454 USB/ALE w/D45 (US Customs P-3 AEW&C #N145CS/BuNo 155299, Jacksonville AMB, FL) then into Parkhill and in clear voice coordinating encryption keys with Service Center. Omaha 45CS confirms encryption key and are returning to ALE scan.

10242.0 CBE (USCGC Tahoma WMEC-908 Kittery ME): 1517 USB/ALE calling UHC (USCGC Decisive WMEC 629, Pasgagoula MS). Both units prob deployed to the Caribbean.

11175.0 Offutt: 1949 USB w/Hoover 27 (TC-135W, Offutt AFB NE) w/request for pp to DSN 271-XXXX (Hoover Ops at Offutt AFB). Offutt requests QSY to 11159.0.

11159.0 Offutt: 1951 USB w/Mover 27 in pp. Offutt asks Hoover 27 for country code for phone number and Hoover 27 replies that it is phone number at Offutt AFB--the Offut operator has embarrassesd tone to reply. Hoover 27 advises Hoover Ops that they will be a little late for landing.

10096.0 Atlantico (MWARA SAM-2): 2247 USB w/KLM 714 w/routing instructions.

19 Feb:

18003.0 MOBD09 (unid): 1637 USB/ALE sounding.

08340.0 4T8S (Venezuelan Navy LST/Capana class Esequibo" T-62): 2124 LSB/ALE w/T8R1 (HQs Venezuelan Navy).

20 Feb:

09047.0 0034MERCAP (Civil Air Patrol, MidEastern Region): 1630 USB/ALE calling 004NVCAP (Civil Air Patrol Nevada).

09047.0 0043MERCAP (Civil Air Patrol, MidEastern Region): 1632 USB/ALE calling 034MERCAP (Civil Air Patrol, MidEastern Region).

10162.0 0034MERCAP (Civil Air Patrol, MidEastern Region): 1646 USB/ALE calling NATLCAP (Civil Air Patrol, Nat'l HQs, Maxwell AFB AL).

10162.0 0202SERCAP (Civil Air Patrol, Southeast Region): 1700 USB/ALE sounding.

12081.0 0101NCRCAP (Civil Air Patrol, Nat'l Capitol Region): 1725 USB/ALE sounding. Also on 09047.0.

12081.0 0100SWR (Civil Air Patrol Southwest Region): 1730 USB/ALE sounding.

11402.0 0034MERCAP (Civil Air Patrol, MidEastern Region):1800 USB/ALE sounding.

12081.0 0901ALCAP (Civil Air Patrol Alabama): 1830 USB/ALE calling 0902ALCAP (Civil Air Patrol Alabama).

12081.0 0201SERCAP (Civil Air Patrol, Southeast Region): 1850 USB/ALE sounding.

12081.0 0001ARCAP (Civil Air Patrol Arkansas): 1920 USB/ALE sounding.

12081.0 AVS (Avenging Spirit, National Headquarters Special Use call): 2200 USB/ALE sounding.

21 Feb:

04477.0 0042NHCAP (Civil Air Patrol New Hampshire): 0010 USB/ALE sounding.

04477.0 0112GACAP (Civil Air Patrol, Georgia): 0300 USB/ALE sounding.

03204.0 0020NHCAP (Civil Air Patrol New Hampshire): 0440 USB/ALE sounding. Also on 09047.0.

07602.0 0112GACAP (Civil Air Patrol, Georgia): 1340 USB/ALE sounding.

07602.0 0034MERCAP (Civil Air Patrol, MidEastern Region):1430 USB/ALE sounding. Also on 09047.0.

08294.0 Unid: 1503 ANDVT. Prob US Coast Guard.

08012.0 0001ARCAP (Civil Air Patrol Arkansas): 1550 USB/ALE sounding.

08012.0 AVS (Avenging Spirit, National Headquarters Special Use call): 1553 USB/ALE sounding.

09047.0 0004WICAP (Civil Air Patrol Wisconsin): 1614 USB/ALE sounding.

09047.0 0043MERCAP (Civil Air Patrol, Mid-Eastern Region): 1620 USB/ALE sounding.

09047.0 0018NHCAP (Civil Air Patrol New Hampshire): 1625 USB/ALE sounding.

09047.0 0303WACAP (Civil Air Patrol, Washington): 2335 USB/ALE sounding.

Former USNS Vessel Re-commissioned as Chilean Supply Ship

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The former fleet replenishment oiler USNS Andrew J. Higgins (T-AO 190) was re-commissioned Feb. 10 in Mobile, Ala., as the Chilean supply ship Almirante Montt (AO-52).

The former vessel, a Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler, officially transferred to Chile in May 2009 under a foreign military sales agreement, according to Naval Sea Systems Command Deputy Commander for Surface Warfare (SEA 21) Rear Adm. James P. McManamon.

"The U.S. Navy is dedicated to supporting foreign policy initiatives through ship sales and transfers to allied navies," McManamon said. "The flawless transition of this capable oiler is a tribute to the tremendous effort put forth by both navies to work together and keep the peace in our seas."

The successful re-commissioning of the ship as Almirante Montt symbolizes both U.S. and Chilean dedication to international cooperation and the mutual benefits derived from this relationship. For the United States, the transfer not only mitigates the costs associated with maintaining an inactive ship, but provides years of dependable replenishment capability for Chilean allies and to the U.S. Navy in time of need.

In March, the Almirante Montt with her Chilean crew will leave Alabama and sail through the Panama Canal to the oiler's new home in Valparaiso, Chile.

Naval Sea Systems Command oversees the ship inactivation process including ship transfers to allied and friendly foreign navies as well as ship inactivation or disposal.

Additionally, the organization manages the complete life cycle support for all non-nuclear U.S. Navy surface ships and is the principal interface with the Surface Warfare Enterprise.

The directorate is responsible for the maintenance and modernization of non-nuclear surface ships currently operating in the Fleet. Through planned modernization and upgrade programs, SEA 21 will equip today's surface ships with the latest technologies and systems to keep them in the fleet through their service lives.

Milcom Blog Logs - 20 Feb 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

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

3308.0 HF-USB
0202Z - AFN7NC NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFA5IX / AFA5RK

3317.5 HF-USB
0135Z - NNN0SVW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net

3325.0 HF-USB
0134Z - NNN0IEA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Indiana MARS 5B1B net: NNN0BOK

3370.5 HF-USB
0203Z - AFA6DV NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net: AFA6PT / AAR6GE / AFA6DP

3384.0 HF-USB
0057Z - Link-11 data transmission

3390.0 HF-USB
0204Z - Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0JKI / NNN0EAF / NNN0ATX

4013.5 HF-USB
0104Z - NNN0BTG NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0ZEU-T / NNNOZEI

4020.9 HF-USB
0103Z - AAR6CX NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAM6TX / AAR6LN
1257Z - AAR6CW NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6TU / AAR6TV

4035.9 HF-USB
0116Z - AAR7DP NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net
0206Z - AAM7MO NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAM7EMO
1300Z - AAA7KS NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/KS net: AAM7AKS / AAT7IJ / AAT7CN

4038.5 HF-USB
0206Z - NNN0RBD NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0JTS / NNN0FFS
0302Z - NNN0EVT NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0QAQ / NNN0TWA
1302Z - NNN0EZC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A1B net: NNN0TWA

4316.0 HF-USB
0410Z - U.S. Coast Guard New Orleans (NMG) Marine Forecast

4426.0 HF-USB
0407Z - U.S. Coast Guard Chesapeake (NMN) Marine Forecast

4500.0 HF-USB
1306Z - Several unidentifiable Air Force Region 4 stations (freq faded out)

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

4604.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Red-Fire-114 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Indiana "Red_Fire" CAP net
0200Z - Red-Robin-170 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Michigan "Red-Robin" CAP net

4623.5 HF-USB
1500Z - NNN0AQP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net: NNN0OAR

4724.0 HF-USB
0130Z - ______ (?) repeats 28 character EAM WGPVOP
0149Z - Reach-4724 calz Mainsail - McClellan (HF-GCS) responds (nothing further heard qth)
0352Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING, do not answer: (sounded like) 6M2; time: 52; authentication: ??

4825.0 HF-USB
2319Z - NNN0FWM NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 MARS 6X4B net: NNN0AHH / NNN0HZN

4865.0 HF-USB
0057Z - Link-11 data transmission

6501.0 HF-USB
0407Z - U.S. Coast Guard Chesapeake (NMN) Marine Forecast

6604.0 HF-USB
0415Z - New York Radio Volmet

6715.0 HF-USB
[05:56:03][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCCSPR ][AL0] BER 22 SN 06
MCCSPR - McClellan HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, CA
[06:41:23][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADWSPR ][AL0] BER 19 SN 05
ADWSPR - Andrews HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, MD
[07:41:32][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADWSPR ][AL0] BER 21 SN 06
ADWSPR - Andrews HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, MD
[07:54:55][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 10 SN 04
JNR - Puerto Rico HF-GCS, Salinas, PR
[08:04:26][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 11 SN 04
MCC - McClellan HF-GCS, CA
[09:04:34][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 12 SN 04
MCC - McClellan HF-GCS, CA
[09:41:50][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADWSPR ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06
ADWSPR - Andrews HF-GCS Secure Internet Protocol Router Network, MD
[12:42:11][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05
ADW - Andrews HF-GCS, MD

6754.0 HF-USB
0416Z - Trenton Military Volmet

7302.0 HF-USB
1511Z - AFA6CF NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6TSS1 net: AFN6RD / AFA6LL / AFF6TD / AFA6AP / AFA6OE / AFA6IZ / AFA6EG

7887.0 HF-AM
2002Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 57841 62052 55782"

8764.0 HF-USB
0430Z - U.S. Coast Guard Pt. Reyes (NMC) Marine Forecast

8983.0 HF-USB
0119Z - Camslant calz CG 2304 (nice transmitter for a change for Camslant)
0120Z - Camspac calz CG 1718

8992.0 HF-USB
2330Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 203 character EAM W3BQ46
2339Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGM5JX to All Stations

9224.0 HF-USB
[22:06:30][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][WWLNNN ][AL0] BER 16 SN 05
WWLNNN - NNN0WWL

11175.0 HF-USB
1601Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGMQZO to All Stations
1604Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 20 character EAM HPTHO2 preceded by "For Leader Bear" to All Stations
1617Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGAI6H to All Stations

11226.0 HF-USB
[16:51:57][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 10 SN 06
MCC - McClellan HF-GCS, CA

11282.0 HF-USB
0116Z - Radio San Francisco (ARINC) w/ Convoy 4423 on Central East Pacific Two Network

14405.0 HF-USB
1607Z - AFA9DB NCS for the Transcon Space Support Net: AFA4HO / AFA9LL / AFA9PJ

15016.0 HF-USB
1533Z - (suspect Andrews) (HF-GCS) pass 6 character EAM HPLX6? preceded by "For Leader Bear" to All Stations
1628Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 20 character EAM HP22JX preceded by "For Leader Bear" to All Stations
1700Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAMs WGAI6H & WGMQZO
1730Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAMs WGAI6H & WGMQZO
1800Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAMs WGAI6H & WGMQZO
1830Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAMs WGAI6H & WGMQZO
2305Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 203 character EAM W3BQ46
2309Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM WGKA3K