RIMPAC 2010 Officially Opens

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Top military leaders from 14 partner nations held a press conference to officially launch the 2010 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Lockwood Hall on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam June 28.

Adm. Patrick Walsh, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT); and Vice Adm. Richard Hunt, commander, Combined Task Force welcomed the participating foreign navies as they announced the official start of the month-long exercise.

"For us to be able to hold this exercise today represents a substantial commitment by the countries that are participating and represented here," said Walsh. "Our goal is to ensure a reciprocal level of commitment in terms of training opportunities for those who are here."

The exercise will bring to together units and personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

"It's an honor to stand here before you with the leadership that we have from each of the 14 nations that are represented in the Rim of the Pacific exercise 2010," said Hunt. "Throughout the one month period, a tremendous gathering of like minded nations will be working together to secure the maritime domain in a way that we have not been able to achieve in the past. We really look forward to the exercise."

Walsh said that information sharing is a key enabler and a force multiplier which is one of the key points of the exercise.

"It gives us opportunities when we have the ability to communicate with each other to take full advantage of the respective capabilities that each nation brings to the sea," said Walsh.

During the exercise, participating countries will conduct gunnery, missile, anti-submarine, and air defense exercises, as well as maritime interdiction and vessel boarding, explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage operations, mine clearance operations, and an amphibious landing.

Hunt said that the exercise will also emphasize littoral operations with ships like littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1), the French frigate Prairial (F 731) and the Singapore frigate RSS Supreme (70).

RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, and will take place in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. The exercise is themed "Combined Agility, Synergy and Support," and marks the 22nd exercise in the series that originated in 1971.

Preparation Key to Weathering Hurricanes

A GOES-12 infrared satellite image of Hurricane Ida provided by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Monterey, Calif. shows the storm at 7:45 a.m. EST Monday, Nov. 9, 2009. Ida, later downgraded to a tropical storm, is expected to make landfall near the Florida-Alabama border Tuesday morning. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

By April Phillips, Naval Safety Center Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The annual hurricane season began June 1, and some experts predict this could be a busy year for storms. However, the Naval Safety Center has storm preparation tips that could lessen the damage to life and property if a hurricane does come ashore.

With the first storm of the season, Tropical Storm Alex, churning in the Gulf of Mexico and nearing hurricane strength, concerns are starting to rise. Current predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) show the storm moving away from the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana and toward south Texas, where it may make landfall as a Category 1 storm the evening of June 29 or the morning of June 30.

Derek Nelson, a Norfolk, Va. resident, who heads the Naval Safety Center's Media Division, recently helped put together a pocket-sized hurricane preparedness guide.

Nelson said preparation is important even when evacuation isn't necessary.

"Don't wait until the wind is blowing and the rain is pouring to get water and non-perishable food," Nelson said. "Track the storm as it approaches and prepare before landfall is imminent."

The Naval Safety Center advises inspecting yards and property well in advance of the storm. Remove any diseased or damaged tree branches and secure any objects that could become airborne from high winds.

However, winds aren't the only danger during a hurricane. Flooding is also a major concern.

"Here in Norfolk, the city publishes a map that shows the flood zone," Nelson said.

He recommended that residents of any city find out if they're in a flood-prone location. If so, move valuables to the highest level of the house.

Loss of electricity is a nuisance during a storm, but it can also be dangerous if there's no way to monitor the hurricane.

"Think about what will happen when you don't have electricity for a few days. Don't fill your freezer with food that will spoil. Also, keep a battery-operated radio handy with plenty of spare batteries," Nelson said.

While he has evacuated the city several times in advance of storms, Nelson recognizes that most people won't have to take that drastic step. However, it's important to have a plan, just in case. Find an inland evacuation location well in advance, and make sure everyone in the family knows what to do and when to act.

"It's a lot easier to take a little time and energy to be prepared than to try to figure out what to do once it's too late," he said. "The regret you'll have will far outweigh the effort it takes to get you and your family ready for the storm."

For information about ordering a hurricane preparation pocket guide, email Derek Nelson at derek.nelson@navy.mil. For more information about general hurricane safety, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/Documents/media/safetips/f-m/hurricane.doc.

New Monitoring Times Staff Blog Newsfeeds Now Available

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http://www.monitoringtimes.com/html/blogs.html.

Milcom Blog Logs - 28/29 Jun 2010 - Kentucky

Our old friend Jack Metcalfe checks in with his latest mil/gov HF logs from Kentucky.

4593.5 AFA2SS, USAF MARS net: 1347 USB Voice (29/JUNE/2010)

4918.5 Possibly US Army MARS station AAR3CN under very heavy static: 0053 USB Voice (28/JUNE/2010)

5217.0 AAR5AW, US Army MARS: 0047 OLIVIA 32 Tones 1 kHz Bandwidth. Also stations AAR5UL/T & AAR5UN/T. (28/JUNE/2010)

5320.0 USCG Cutters active, but very weak signals: 0102 USB Voice (28/JUNE/2010)

5696.0 USCG RESCUE 014 with ETA: 1400 USB Voice (29/JUNE/2010)

7457.0 AFA4GE & AFA4ED confirming receipt of Exercise Dark Shadow message concerning the explosion of a transformer at the Bryant (Jackson County), AL substation. RYRYRY preceded the exercise message: 1348 - 1351 USB Voice & MT-63 (28/JUNE/2010)

7630.5 AFA2RU, USAF MARS in net comms: 1348 USB Voice (28/JUNE/2010)

10580.0 LINK 11: 1508 USB (29/JUNE/2010)

11217.0 TEE or KEY BALL, USAF or USN with phone patch to Norfolk Weather for conditions at Pax River: 0208 USB Voice (28/JUNE/2010)

11400.5 B03, unid, possibly US Army: 1357 USB ALE (29/JUNE/2010)

13206.0 LINK 11: 1518 USB (29/JUNE/2010)

14654.5 T57AR1, Arkansas National Guard JISCC (Joint Incident Site Communications Capability), North Little Rock, AR calling SCC43NG, South Carolina 43rd National Guard Civil Support Team, Eastover, SC: 1522 USB ALE (29/JUNE/2010)

14654.5 T57AR1, Arkansas National Guard JISCC (Joint Incident Site Communications Capability), North Little Rock, AR calling T43DE1, Delaware NG JISCC, Wilmington, DE: 1534 USB ALE & AMD Text (29/JUNE/2010)

15010.0 LAJES, USAF Lajes, Azores. Phone patch for REACH 403. Moved to 11220.0 due to poor signal: 0200 USB Voice (28/JUNE/2010)

15016.0 TANK CAR, USAF "standing by & TANK CAR out" a few minutes later: 0203 USB VOICE (28/JUNE/2010)

Leap Frogs Kick Off Quad City Air Show

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michelle Kapica, Naval Special Warfare Public Affairs

DAVENPORT, Iowa (NNS) -- Approximately 100,000 air-show enthusiasts watched as the U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, kicked off the 24th annual Quad City Air Show in Davenport, Iowa, June 26-27.

The Leap Frogs, composed of Navy SEALs, special warfare combatant-craft crewmen and parachute riggers, parachuted down from an Alaska Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft during the opening ceremony of the two-day event.

Spectators packed the flight line and cheered as the team jumped from 8,000 feet above show center. The jumpers deployed their blue and gold main canopies and linked up in what is called canopy-relative work. The jumpers formed bi-plane and T-formations. Two jumpers had the crowd on their feet as they performed a down plane and swooped in for an impressive, precision landing. The team rocketed toward the ground at more than 120 miles per hour in a bomb burst formation for the final jump June 27.

A few young cadets from the Davenport Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol (DCSCAP) got the chance to meet the team up close, when they were invited to help pack the Leap Frogs' parachutes after the performance.

"They were amazing!" said Nick Reed, a DCSCAP cadet. "I hope to get my skydiving license and maybe join the Navy and become one of these people one day. That would be a dream job!"

Various aerobatic display teams followed the Leap Frogs' performance, including the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force Legacy Flights, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet and U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle, in addition to many civilian teams. The event concluded with a re-enactment of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

"I love the Leap Frogs, they're fantastic!" said Ken Hopper, president, founder and air boss of Quad City Air Show. "Their performance today just goes to show that the Leap Frogs will jump if humanly possible, and they just have that Navy can-do attitude."

"We are thrilled to be part of the air show," said Chief Special Warfare Operator Justin Gauny, leading chief petty officer of the Leap Frogs. "We really enjoy coming out and performing at events like this. It's a great opportunity to show the public a little bit about what we do."

The Leap Frogs are based in San Diego and perform parachute demonstrations across the United States in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy Recruiting Command.

Memphis Returns from Successful Exercises

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691) returned to her homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London June 24 following a successful short deployment to the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility.

While deployed, Memphis participated in the Atlantic phase of UNITAS 2010 and Exercise Naiad.

UNITAS is the longest running multinational naval exercise which brings together the maritime forces of the Western Hemisphere to enhance security, improve interoperability, expand maritime domain awareness and counter maritime activities that could threaten region stability.

Memphis's role was to conduct anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and maritime domain operations. According to the crew, the most challenging assignment was finding and simulating an attack on two diesel submarines from Argentina and Brazil.

"These diesel boats are quiet and professionally operated," said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Geddes, Memphis executive officer. "They are very challenging opponents."

During the exercise, Memphis hosted Lt. j.g. Francisco Oleiro, an Argentinean submariner as an exchange officer. This visit allowed Oleiro to observe operations aboard a U.S. submarine, while giving Memphis' crew an opportunity to get a firsthand account of diesel submarine life.

Oleiro described his visit as very great and very different.

"[It was] an event I will remember for the rest of my life," he added.

Memphis then traveled to Brazil for a port visit in Rio de Janeiro where the crew participated in briefings, tours of training facilities, and a barbecue hosted by the Brazilian navy.

During Exercise Naiad, a tactical development exercise where Memphis went head-to-head with Brazilian navy Submarine Tamoio (S-31) in a series of challenging events, Memphis again exchanged officers.

Lt. Cmdr. Christian Hingst, the Brazilian submarine force assistant operations officer, came aboard to observe.

"I've been reading about Los Angeles-class submarines in Tom Clancy books all my life," Hingst said. "Going to sea on Memphis is like seeing the Rolling Stones."

USS Sterett Calls Tomahawk Missile Launch a Success

A Tomahawk missile launches off the aft vertical launching system aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104). Sterett is conducting a weeklong training exercise to test its tactical weapons systems in preparation for its upcoming deployment. (U.S. photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Carmichael Yepez/Released)

By Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) Fireman Margaret Darton, USS Sterett Public Affairs

USS STERETT, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) successfully launched two Tomahawk missiles during a weeklong weapons training exercise in the Pacific Ocean June 21-25.

"The missile launch was a success," said Pablo Dasalla, lead platform test coordinator, who was on board to observe the launch.

According to Dasalla, the planning required to launch a Tomahawk missile takes three to four months to coordinate. The coordination involves mission planning, approval from different organizations, scheduling of range time and fulfilling requirements prior to the missile launch.

The ship's crew has been preparing for the past four months to maintain its mission readiness by conducting daily drills and training evolutions.

"We've been conducting a simulated land attack missile exercise (SLAMEX), twice a month," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Elliot Asmah, who is part of Sterett's strike group and was responsible for launching one of the Tomahawk missiles during their second day out to sea.

The missile launch became an historic event for the Sterett, as this was the first time the ship launched a Tomahawk from its vertical launch system.

According to Asmah, every year a ship is chosen to test the Tomahawk missiles, but there are many ships that can spend their entire lifetime in the fleet without ever shooting one.

For many aboard the ship, the missile launch was a lifetime experience especially for Asmah, who pushed the button that sent the missile soaring into the sky after a countdown.

"It was a privilege to be the first person on the Sterett to shoot a Tomahawk missile," said Asmah. "This will make history, and I am part of it."

Dasalla credits the flexibility of Sterett's leadership and its crew to the success of the missile launches.

"The leadership on board made things happen," said Dasalla. "The diligence and dedication of the strike team has shown their willingness to succeed with Tomahawk launch attack missile operations."

Truman Carrier Strike Group Relieves Eisenhower

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) will relieve the Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG as Commander, Task Force 50 July 2, beginning a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Under Task Force 50, Truman CSG will conduct close air support missions in support of coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan while conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the AOR.

Eisenhower CSG has operated in the 5th Fleet AOR since Jan. 25 with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 aircraft flying 2,970 combat sorties and 17,730 cumulative flight hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

"The Eisenhower Strike Group has done a great job supporting the troops on the ground in Afghanistan and executing maritime security operations," said Rear Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, CSG 8. "We leave knowing that Eisenhower, CVW 7, and all the ships in our Ike '5-star' team have worked hard to improve security and stability in the region."

Ships of the Eisenhower CSG performed multiple missions while in the 5th Fleet AOR, which included deterring piracy, protecting critical infrastructure, partnering with critical allies, and conducting MSO throughout the region.

"Our Sailors have shown tremendous dedication and commitment during this deployment and are ready now to head home to their family and friends," said Capt. Dee Mewbourne, commanding officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). "We have every confidence that Truman will continue to work just as effectively to improve the security and stability in this part of the world through the outstanding professionalism of their Sailors."

"The Eisenhower Strike Group's performance in the 5th Fleet and their support for Soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan has been superb. We have big footsteps to follow in," said Rear Adm. Pat Driscoll, commander, CSG 10. "The Sailors and Marines of the Truman Strike Group are fully ready and anxious to begin this important tasking."

The Truman CSG deployed May 21 from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., and includes Carrier Strike Group 10, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Normandy (CG 60), Destroyer Squadron 26, USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Ross (DDG 71), Carrier Air Wing 3 and its associated squadrons; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 "Gunslingers," VFA 32 "Swordsmen," VFA 37 "Ragin Bulls," Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 "Checkerboards," Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 "Seahawks," Electronic Attack Squadron 130 "Zappers," and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 7 "Dusty Dogs."

Eisenhower will return to its homeport of Norfolk, Va.

Milcom Blog Logs - 24 Jun 2010 - Kentucky

Our old friend Jack Metcalfe has received the following gov/mil logs from his Kentucky Monitoring Post:

14928.5 3PBAFA, USAF MARS: 1606 USB ALE
15037.0 GWO & HYR, unid US Government or US Military stations: 1601 USB ALE & ANDVT
15166.5 27TOC27CAV & 27HQ3W27CAV, Military: 1608 USB ALE

GW Completes Undersea Warfare Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Devon Dow, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in Undersea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) with U.S. and Japanese naval forces in the western Pacific Ocean June 21 to 25.

The exercise was conducted by elements from Commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet (CTF 70), Commander, Patrol & Reconnaissance Force, 7th Fleet (CTF 72), Commander, Submarine Force, 7th Fleet (CTF 74), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and components from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The exercise focused on training and coordination of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) efforts between the maritime partners.

"This year during USWEX we continued to strengthen interoperability between the U.S. Navy and the JMSDF and trained against tactics, techniques and procedures to develop new concepts in ASW," said Lt. Justin Santos, a surface operations officer for DESRON 15. "Throughout this exercise, I believe everyone involved has executed in a professional manner and to the best of their expertise."

During the exercise, GW and JMSDF Sailors, who were embarked aboard GW during USWEX, were tasked with locating, tracking and completing simulated engagements with allied submarines in their vicinity.

Santos said that working with the JMSDF provided unique opportunities for all involved to learn from one another, furthering the U.S.-Japan relationship, and show how they can further their joint operational efforts.

"During USWEX we were afforded the opportunity of working side by side with our JMSDF counterparts on board GW," he said. "They were standing watch during the exercise in the same spaces we were and holding briefs throughout the day alongside us as well. Having them on board was a benefit to the success of this exercise."

Lt. Masanobu Kanamori, Undersea Warfare Staff escort for JMSDF's Flotilla 2, is one of the many JMSDF Sailors who has been on board during the exercise. He said while he was taken back by the enormity of the ship, and the sights and sounds of the flight deck, working, eating, and living on the GW contributed to the overall experience of USWEX.

"This has been a very big exercise and a great experience for me," he said. "I enjoyed being on board GW and working with the U.S. Navy Sailors. I learned a lot."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation. Santos said he is optimistic about the two countries relationship in the present and the future.

"Our alliance with Japan demonstrates the strength in our commitment to one another and our ability to work together," he said. "This exercise is an example of just how strong our alliance really is."

A Revolution in Scanning is Coming

A Revolution in Scanning is Coming
Uniden Releases a New Revolutionary Scanner
by Larry Van Horn, MT Assistant Editor

Fort Worth, Texas -- A major revolution in our hobby is on the way and it will forever change the very nature of the scanner radio hobby. Today, June 26, 2010, Uniden America held an open house here at their corporate offices in Fort Worth, Texas, for the public and the media. At this open house they unveiled a new revolutionary scanner called the "HomePatrol."



So what is so revolutionary about this new scanner? Simply put, it is simplicity! There has never been one like it before. To say that it will be easy to program by the user is to totally understate the facts.

The only thing you will need to know to program a "HomePatrol" scanner is – wait for it – the Zip Code where you are currently located. Yes, you punch in your zip code on the LCD touch screen, press enter, and you will instantly start hearing local scanner communications (conventional and trunked, analog and digital). No other operator interface is needed and it is truly just that simple.

Maybe you don't want to monitor civilian or military air comms that got loaded when you punched in your zip code, just police, fire and EMS. No problem: touch the screen to set up what you want to hear and it is done. No banks, no systems, no groups, no programming of frequencies: your location is all you need to get you started. And did I mention that all the controls for this scanner is via a full color touch screen?

If you are traveling and you have a GPS, plug that puppy into the "HomePatrol" scanner and it will ensure that your unit has up-to-date frequencies for the area you are traveling in. You don't have to do anything except to make sure that the GPS is working and plugged into the "HomePatrol." Of course you will have to supply the GPS unit since it is not included with the "HomePatrol" scanner.

That is why I think that the Uniden "HomePatrol" has the potential to create a major revolution in the scanner world.

Since the unveiling is still taking place as this is being posted, the full details and specs are not yet available. I will be bringing a test unit home from Fort Worth and will be conducting a full blown MT First Look review of the "HomePatrol." I will also post some of my first impressions on the "HomePatrol" scanner on the Monitoring Times website at http://www.monitoringtimes.com or on my personal blog, the BTown Monitoring Post at http://monitor-post.blogspot.com. You can also check out a new website that Uniden has setup for their new unit at http://www.homepatrol.com/ for everything "HomePatrol."

We will have a full detailed First Look review of this revolutionary new scanner in the October issue of Monitoring Times magazine, but check back here for future updates.

USS Philadelphia 'Finishes Strong' Following 33-Year Service

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Myers, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) was decommissioned June 25 during a ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.

The decommissioning ceremony marked Philadelphia's 33rd anniversary.

Philadelphia was commissioned and officially put into service June 25, 1977.

The ceremony's guest speaker, Rear Admiral Douglas J. McAneny, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, was the seventh commanding officer of Philadelphia.

McAneny said he was honored to speak at the ceremony and to have the opportunity to have one last look at his old boat and eat one more meal in the wardroom.

"We gather today not only to recognize the important role played by the leaders, the crew members and the families," said McAneny. "But to say goodbye to our boat – USS Philadelphia."

In addition, McAneny asked those that have served aboard Philadelphia to remember the sacrifices they endured and the freedom they fought to defend.

"The soul of USS Philadelphia lives on forever in her crews," said McAneny.

Philadelphia has deployed to all regions of the globe in support of various operations vital to national security, including Desert Storm in 1991.

Cmdr. Dave Soldow, Philadelphia's final commanding officer, felt this ceremony marked a unique occasion.

"On one hand, it is truly heartwarming to see the enthusiastic support of the community for their Navy and the men who have volunteered to serve this great nation of ours," said Soldow. "On the other hand, it is indeed sad to take out of commission a warship that has so boldly and so proudly served the American people for all these years."

Soldow also said that the warship is much more than technology and steel.

"These men who stand before you today, and those seated throughout the audience who came before them represent some of the greatest American's to ever serve this nation of ours," said Soldow.

The contract to build Philadelphia was awarded to Electric Boat Division at the General Dynamics Corporation in Groton Jan. 8, 1971. Philadelphia's keel was laid Aug. 12, 1972, and was launched Oct. 19, 1974.

Philadelphia completed her final deployment in February 2010, conducting operations in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

Milcom Blog Logs - 18-23 Jun 2010 - Kentucky

Our old friend Jack Metcalfe checks in with his latest mil/gov HF logs from Kentucky.

4540.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard CST, Eastover, SC calling SCRD, NAVAIR Special Communications Requirement Division, St. Inigoes, MD: 1626 USB ALE. Frequencies in the net: 4540.0 5045.0 5211.0 7720.0 10493.0 11608.5 13586.5 14483.5 14502.5 (23/JUNE/2010)

5045.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard CST, Eastover, SC calling SCRD, NAVAIR Special Communications Requirement Division, St. Inigoes, MD: 1624 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

5211.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard Civil Support Team, Eastover, SC calling T57AR1, Unid Arkansas NG unit: 1453 USB ALE: (23/JUNE/2010)

6761.0 MASH 82, USAF Aircraft coordinating refueling ops for AR-455. Heard a few minutes later on 336.1 MHz AM mode: 1541 USB Voice (18/JUNE/2010)

7720.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard CST calling DTRA, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Ft. Belvoir, VA. Also active on 4540.0 & 5045.0: 1948 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

9106.0 KFW652, Unid US Government Agency: 1508 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

9121.0 147FIRESNE, US Military calling 3BN: 1533 USB ALE (18/JUNE/2010)

9260.0 Unid US Military aircraft (likely NIGHTHAWK calls) with informal comms: 1639 - 1652 USB Voice (23/JUNE/2010)

10493.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard Civil Support Team, Eastover, SC calling T43DE1, Unid Delaware NG unit: 1538 USB ALE & AMD text: (23/JUNE/2010)

10493.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard Civil Support Team, Eastover, SC calling SCRD, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Special Communications Requirement Division, St. Inigoes, MD: 1542 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

13586.5 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard CST, Eastover, SC calling SCRD, NAVAIR Special Communications Requirement Division, St. Inigoes, MD: 1615 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

13586.5 SCRD, NAVAIR Special Communications Requirement Division, St. Inigoes, MD calling SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard CST, Eastover, SC: 1941 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

14455.0 KHA959, NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility, VA as net control for the weekly NASA HF Radio Net calling KHA945, NASA, Huntsville, AL: 1607 USB Voice (23/JUNE/2010)

14455.0 KHA946, NASA, New Orleans, LA, KHA959, NASA, Wallops Island Flight Facility, VA & KHA908, NASA, Mountain View, CA in comms: 1634 USB Voice (23/JUNE/2010)

14484.0 AAN4PN5, US Army MARS calling AAA9USA, US Army MARS: 1627 USB Voice (23/JUNE/2010)

14653.0 AFO & CYS: 1537 USB ALE (18/JUNE/2010)

Link - DTRA Operations Center: http://www.dtra.mil/Missions/Reachback/OPSCenter.aspx

Link - NAVAIR SCRD: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2005_March_29/ai_n13481403/

Enroute to Big D

Well tomorrow morning I will be enroute to a very special radio hobby event in the DFW Metroplex. Uniden America will be holding an Open House on Saturday, June 26, 2010, from 10 am to 2 pm CDT at their corporate headquarters in Fort Worth. Uniden will be unveiling their new revolutionary scanner at this Open House.

I will have a full report on this blog and on the Monitoring Times website upon my return from the event. in the meantime if you are attending this event, I look forward to meeting you on Saturday. I will be making some brief remarks during the open house and you may hear something about Milcom monitoring you haven't heard before.

Until Saturday, 73 and good hunting. CU on the flip side.

Civil Air Patrol Narrowbanding Project Not Going Well

The Civil Air Patrol has been trying to convert their VHF radio systems to comply with NTIA narrowband guidelines for the last few years. But things have not gone well and they still have not converted their VHF network over to the Congressionally mandated narrowband system.

According to one anonymous source, the CAP HQ has now given a deadline of 31 Aug 2010 for all the wing commanders and directors of communication across the country to get their narrowband repeaters on the air.

Wings first requested new nationally-funded repeaters in the 2004-2005 timeframe, and CAP bought some $5 million in repeaters based on those requests. There were delays in actually getting federal frequency assignments (because of the need to coordinate with Canada/Mexico). As a result many of those originally-approved repeater sites have been lost. Some of the CAP wings just moved slowly in getting their new narrowband repeaters on-the-air.

August 31 will mark two years from the final release of the new VHF narrowband frequencies to the wings and a year-and-a-half since the first CAP narrowband repeater went on the air.

According to one source the Air Force is putting it's foot down because every repeater NOT on the air is wasted taxpayer's dollars. Nobody is officially saying what will happen if the 31 Aug deadline is not met, but it is clear that wings that do not get their repeaters on by the deadline will face some sort of repercussions.

Bottom line is you will probably see new comms over the next few weeks popping up on the CAP's new VHF frequencies. We had an extensive article on all of this in the May 2010 MT Milcom column (if you miss one issue you miss a lot). But to help out those who don't subscribe, here are the frequencies to watch for CAP activity:

139.8750 141.0000 141.5750 143.5500 143.6250 143.600 143.7000
148.1250 148.1375 148.1500 149.2750 150.2250 150.5625

National CAP Plan (Supposedly Zone 1 in all the new ground-only radios)

141.5750 Simplex 127.3 Hz Command Control
141.0000 Simplex 131.8 Hz Command Control
149.2750 Simplex 141.3 Hz Air-to-Air
150.5625 Simplex 151.4 Hz Air-to-Air
150.2250 Simplex 162.2 Hz CAP Guard Channel
139.8750 Simplex 173.8 Hz Tactical/Miscellaneous use (also used on
the Canadian Border as an input to the 148.1250 repeaters)
148.1250 Simplex 100.0 Hz Primary Talk-Around
148.1500 Simplex 100.0 Hz Secondary Talk-Around
148.1375/143.6250 203.5 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1375/143.6250 192.8 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1375/143.6250 131.8 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1375/143.6250 162.2 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1250/143.5500 203.5 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1250/139.8750 Canadian Border repeaters
148.1500/143.7000 203.5 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1500/143.6000 Canadian Border repeaters

Again there is more to all this, but that is about 2,000 words in the MT May issue.

New National CAP Command Net Freq Found

Jon in Florida discovered last weekend a new CAP National Command ALE Net frequency:- 29.894 MHz. The frequency was also confirmed by Monitoring Times magazine Utility World columnist Hugh Stegman out in California.

The nationwide set of CAP ALE freqs for the "National CAP Command Net" are as follows:

2011.0 3204.0 4477.0 4585.0 5006.0 5447.0 6773.0 6806.0 7602.0 7665.0 8012.0 9047.0 10162.0 11402.0 12081.0 13415.0 14357.0 15602.0 17412.0 19814.0 29894.0 kHz (all USB/ALE)

Here is some background information I have on the current state of the CAP HF network(s). Any additional information on frequencies is sincerely appreciate and you can contact me offlist via the email address published in the header of my blogs" http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/ or http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/.

The National Command Net operates in the Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) mode. It is composed of stations specifically approved by the NTC using equipment provided for this purpose. Most of these stations are “message center” stations which relay message traffic between the national and region levels of the CAP net structure.

The National Command level of the HF-ALE system, the "top level" of the CAP radio system, uses Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) radios to which a "suite" of frequencies is assigned, each with different radio propagation characteristics, and the radios automatically monitor which frequency is best to communicate with each other station in the net. Each region operates two ALE radios, serving as "message center" stations (see below), plus additional radios for Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Alaska. The ALE stations at the National Technology Center (NTC) and the National Operations Center (NOC) serve as the net control stations for the National Command level of the HF-ALE system. There are no scheduled formal National Command net meetings. Rather, ALE station operators are expected to attend their radios regularly and be ready for messages, as they may be received.

The mission of the National Command level of the HF-ALE system is to provide a survivable, commercial infrastructure-independent command and control communication (C3) link among regions and between regions and higher headquarters.

The specific functions of National Command level stations are:

• Provide a strategic communications tier of the communications network available for adaptive communications during high-level missions.

• Provide decentralized contact points to relay traffic between incident command posts and the NOC or other national CAP office.

• Conduct and report regular confidence checks, in accordance with the current CAP Communications Alert Level, and no less than once per week.

• Be available, as needed, for training.

Pending activation of region ALE frequency suites (see below) the following guidance applies to all stations operating on the National Command frequency suite (ALE Net #1):

1. Other than the two region stations and nationally designated stations, any CAP station may monitor the ALE suite, but should not sound in routine operations.

2. Pending release of region ALE channels, wings may use the national ALE suite (ALE NET #1) for actual missions and specific training events with the understanding that this use and active sounding will be for relatively limited periods of time. For ALE use during a training exercise, place a request several days in advance, but for actual missions, coordinate with the NOC.

3. Only NTIA compliant equipment with Joint Interoperability Test Center (JITC) certification may transmit on National and Region ALE suites of frequencies.

4. The NTC and National Headquarters determines and standardizes all ALE parameter settings, such as sounding interval.

To Jon and Hugh, nice job. Now if we can find the missing freqs I belive are there around 18 MHz and from 20 to 28 MHz.

New Release of MultiPSK (4.18) Now Available

Multipsk is my absolute favorite digital decoder for the computer soundcard and the author, Patrick, F6CTE, just keeps making it better. This morning he has just announced the release of a new verson of MultiPSK (v4.18). His announcement is present below in its entirety

Hello to all Ham and SWL,

The new release of MultiPSK (4.18) is on my Web site (http://f6cte.free.fr/). It is not yet on Earl's and Terry's WEB sites.

The main modifications of MULTIPSK 4.18 are the following:

1) Decoding of the NWR SAME mode

NWR (National Weather Radio) SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) is simply a method of identifying the local area to which an alert message applies. It utilizes a digital data stream that contains the alert message with information about the type of event expected, its timing, duration, and location. The NWR SAME system is used in USA and Canada, in VHF (162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525, 162.550 MHz).

To listen NWR SAME messages: the NWS tests the NWR and SAME alerting technology weekly. These tests normally occur on Wednesday between 10 AM and Noon with some variations to accomodate local requirements.

This mode is available for licencied copies, only (otherwise, the decoding is stopped after 5 minutes). See specifications further on.

2) Transmission/reception of ARQ FAE QSP (indirect) mails through a "mails Server"

Differences between a direct mail and a QSP mail (indirect). A mail is direct if you can transmit it directly to the final addressee: A -->B.

If you can't transmit the mail directly because the final addressee can't be directly reached due to the link conditions, the mail can be forwarded by the connected station, which acts as a "mails Server": A-->C (mails Server)-->B.

For this, you must use a QSP mail.

A paper based on snapshots presents this new system:

http://f6cte.free.fr/QSP_mails_forwarding_easy_with_Multipsk_in_ALE_and_ALE400.doc

3) New macros:

- permits to ask to the other Ham or to the SWL monitoring your QSO to send you a reception report by e-mail. Your address must be specified in the "WEB ADDRESS" of your personal data ("Personal" button). It will be transmitted the following command "RPRT@LENemail addressCRC" which is the report demand. If correctly decoded, a reception report will be transmitted to the e-mail address that you specified, through Internet.

Examples of use of this macro

1) The main objective is to ask the other Ham with whom you are in QSO to send you a reception report by e-mail.

2) But it can be also done by a SWL monitoring your QSO.

3) This macro can be used in conjuction with a Multipsk beacon which mode can be controlled by a RS ID. For example, you can switch the beacon in BPSK31 and asks the beacon for a reception report. Afterwards, the beacon can be switched in Olivia by a new RS ID and a new reception report can be asked...

Note: this macro can be used for all digital modes (except JT65), CW included.

A paper based on snapshots presents this new system:

http://f6cte.free.fr/How_to_use_thehttp://f6cte.free.fr/How_to_use_the_«RPRT@»_email_reception_report_with_Multipsk.doc
The source code (in Pascal/Delphi and in English) to code/decode this command is available for the coding/decoding software developpers, by making the demand to F6CTE by e-mail.

- permits to send a Tune (non modulated carrier) with the command: . For example: (5% of power at 4000 Hz for 1 sec)

This function can be used for transmission tests or, perhaps, to create his/her personal "jingle" (short musical sequence).

- 's' gives the Signal to Noise ratio (in dB) obtained about 4 seconds before the switching to transmission.

- 'quality' for PSK modes only, gives the signal quality from 1/5 to 5/5 obtained about 4 seconds before the switching to transmission.

4) Improvements

Addition of a filter possibility in the SELCAL mode. Addition of 6 new memories of frequency and mode in the Transceiver window, for a total of 10 memories.

Some improvements for contesters: addition of a manual control of the QSO number, proposition of standard HF QRGs for the "Freq MHz" field, possibility to double the size of the "QSO->log" or "DXKeeper" buttons (in the "Logbook" window).

Note about translation of Multipsk.exe and Clock .exe: the 4.17 version of Multipsk/Clock has been completly translated to Spanish by Joachin (EA4ZB), from French. The translation file is on my Web site (http://f6cte.free.fr/Translation_files.htm).

NWR SAME (VHF)

The NWR (National Weather Radio) SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) is a digital system for transmission in USA and Canada, in VHF, of warning messages. There are, in fact, other agencies that NWS (National Weather Service) which use the SAME system. There are also many other messages that warning or watch messages.

Description :

Baud rate: 580.83.
Modulation : Logic 0 at 1562.5 Hz and logic 1 at 2083.3 Hz
Reception mode: FM
Character set : ASCII characters (8 bits)
Shape of pulse : rectangular
Bandwidth : about 1 KHz
Demodulation : non coherent
Bit synchronization : automatic using the signal
Character synchronization : automatic using predefined strings of characters (« ZCZC » and « NNNN »)
Lowest S/N: +4 dB

Each NWR/SAME message contains:

* 3 same digital messages containing (on a coded form) the event, the concerned areas, duration and broadcast station (for example: ZCZC-WXR-TOW-039173-039051-139069+0030-1591829-KCLE/NWS-). These messages are decoded by Multipsk.
* possibly a 1050 Hz warning alarm tone for 8 to 10 seconds,
* possibly a verbal spoken oral text of message,
* 3 digital messages « NNNN » for end of message.

If you don't already have MultiPSK, it is a most have program in any radio hobbyist shack. No self respecting Milcom monitors computer should be without this program. And the registered version opens up a whole new world of radio listening and worth every penny of the very inexpensive registration fee. If you pick up Patrick's program, be sure to tell him that The Milcom MP sent you.

German COMSATBw-1/2 UHF Milsats Update

Nils from Germany on the Hearsat newsgroup has posted the following update on the German COMSATBw Milsat UHF transponders.

ComSatBW-2 at 13.2°E:

"At 13:15 UTC all five transponders were lowered down by 12.5-kHz. Interestingly first the uplink seperately, followed by changing of the transponder downlink-frequency. Therefore now active transponders are:"

244.275 MHz (244.2875 MHz before)
249.400 MHz (249.4125 MHz before)
250.900 MHz (250.9100 MHz before)
255.775 MHz (255.7875 MHz before)
259.425 MHz (259.4375 MHz before)

ComSatBW-1 at 63°E:

Nils also posted, "Just rescanned ComsatBW-1 at 63°E and found one new transponder at 253.750, which is probably the replacement of 251.775. 253.750 also carriers an Asian WFM radio station in the transponder. Therefore active transponders from 63°E should be currently:"

243.625 MHz (replaced 244.275 MHz)
253.750 MHz (replaced 251.775 MHz)
254.775 MHz (replaced 248.750 MHz)
255.450 MHz (replaced 255.500 MHz)
259.250 MHz (replaced 259.425 MHz)

Milcom Blog Logs - 16 Jun 2010 - Brasstown

Yesterday I again had the CAP qrg loadout operational and logged the following CAP ALE Addresses on the frequencies and times indicated (mode USB, all times UTC):

[13:09:15][FRQ 03204000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 09

[18:35:37][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 30
[15:44:56][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][201SERCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 06
[15:03:43][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 25
[14:48:05][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 30
[14:43:01][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 04
[14:33:46][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MS ][AL0] BER 26 SN 06
[12:03:41][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07
[10:09:54][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07

[21:21:49][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 07
[20:33:26][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 30
[16:55:03][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0148KYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 21
[14:56:48][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 24
[13:33:15][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WI ][AL0] BER 15 SN 04
[12:58:22][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 11
[12:38:59][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[12:16:02][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NYCAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 07
[12:07:26][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07
[10:42:32][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 06
[10:13:20][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09

[13:00:34][FRQ 06773000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 06

[20:36:56][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][0148KYCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 30
[15:09:13][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GA ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07
[14:20:03][FRQ 06806000][TO ][0004WVCAP ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[13:58:52][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 05
[12:56:31][FRQ 06806000][TO ][AVS ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10

[20:49:11][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 18
[20:45:24][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GACAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 07
[20:31:33][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 24
[19:57:31][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[17:46:54][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 06
[17:01:39][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 26
[14:32:09][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 11
[14:23:06][FRQ 07602000][TO ][043MERCAP ][TWS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 26
[14:22:37][FRQ 07602000][TO ][043MERCAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[14:22:29][FRQ 07602000][TO ][043MERCAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09 [AMD]11 ROUTINE CHECK IN
[14:21:55][FRQ 07602000][TO ][043MERCAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[13:26:37][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08
[12:05:36][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWR ][AL0] BER 29 SN 05
[10:44:37][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NYCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 05
[15:02:04][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GACAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 07

[20:17:47][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07
[18:21:17][FRQ 08012000][TO ][101NCRCAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07
[16:02:47][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0360FLCAP ][AL0] BER 21 SN 05
[16:00:50][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08
[15:53:39][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 07
[12:58:39][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[10:25:34][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07
[12:17:59][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10

[17:53:40][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 06
[14:35:49][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0100NDCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07
[14:15:13][FRQ 09047000][TO ][0004WICAP 0004WVCAP ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 22 SN 04
[14:06:07][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 04
[14:04:21][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 04
[12:33:36][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][101NCRCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07

[20:37:04][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IA ][AL0] BER 22 SN 04
[19:57:44][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 22 SN 04
[15:55:31][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWR ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05

[18:12:52][FRQ 11402000][TO ][0314MICAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06
[14:28:39][FRQ 11402000][SND][ ][TIS][101NCRCAP ][AL0] BER 19 SN 03
[13:35:10][FRQ 11402000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WI ][AL0] BER 27 SN 04

[21:03:28][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0011DCCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[20:53:02][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 18 SN 04
[20:19:41][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07
[14:02:35][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 04
[13:02:34][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 05

[21:23:50][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][0011DC ][AL0] BER 28 SN 07
[21:01:43][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 04
[20:49:29][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][201SER ][AL0] BER 26 SN 04
[18:44:19][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 04

[19:52:20][FRQ 14357000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06
[15:57:18][FRQ 14357000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 04
[15:50:21][FRQ 14357000][SND][ ][TIS][201SER ][AL0] BER 27 SN 06

[19:45:24][FRQ 15602000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[17:11:45][FRQ 15602000][SND][ ][TIS][0011DCCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 04
[15:11:09][FRQ 15602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 24 SN 04
[14:39:43][FRQ 15602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 05

[18:46:12][FRQ 17412000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 24 SN 04
[16:15:01][FRQ 17412000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 05
[14:26:58][FRQ 17412000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NY ][AL0] BER 28 SN 04

[20:51:24][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][0148KYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06
[20:47:31][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06
[17:54:05][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06
[16:25:43][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][101NCRCAP ][AL0] BER 20 SN 04
[15:59:03][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06

Milcom Blog Logs - 16 Jun 2010 - Kentucky

Our good friend Jack Metcalfe in Kentucky has checked in again with more action from the Fed/Mil HF airwaves and the following intercepts.

4857.5 Unid US Military or US Government stations in comms concerning "recycling the satellite phone." One station with a much better signal than the other: 1432 USB Voice (16/JUNE/2010)

6712.0 LOG ROLL, Airborne Command Post requesting RF-17 from QUICK PLANE & will meet them on the GEP orderwire: 1518 USB Voice (16/JUNE/2010)

7842.0 CLR25COMMEX1, USMC Combat Logistics Regiment 25, Camp Lejeune, NC & COMMCOCOMMEX1, USMC: 1507 USB ALE & Data mode (16/JUNE/2010) COMMEX10 & COMMCOCOMMEX1, USMC: 1609 USB ALE (16/JUNE/2010) CLCGREECOMMEX1, USMC & CLR25COMMEX1, USMC Combat Logistics Regiment 25, Camp Lejeune, NC: 2023 USB ALE (16/JUNE/2010)

14455.0 KHA959, NASA, Wallops Island Flight Facility, VA calling KHA908, NASA, Mountain View, CA. KHA946, NASA, New Orleans, LA also in the net. Very strong signals from KHA959: 1628 - 1635 USB Voice (16/JUNE/2010)

14650.0 TEXAS20SRGIN, USN 20th Seabee Readiness Group & HEBREW20SRGIN, USN 20th Seabee Readiness Group: 1629 USB ALE. Stations active in USB ALE on:
4883.0 6939.5 7945.5 9871.5 11504.5 14650.0 kHz (16/JUNE/2010)

Mystery Canadian HF ALE Net

Time for our friends up north to have a mystery ALE network to work on. If you would like to have some of ours, I will be happy to share a few.

As posted to this website yesterday, Jack monitored a new Canadian HF ALE net on 9295.0 and 12115.0 kHz (ALE/USB) with the following stations:

EDMONTOEXLONGW Edmonton AB, Canada
OTTAWAEXLONGW Ottawa, PQ, Canada
STJOHNSEXLONGW St. Johns, NF, Canada
YELLOWKEXLONGW Yellowknife, NWT, Canada

So who do you folks up north think we have here. One guess is a CanForce net. I'm not convinced. Email me at the address above if you have any ideas.

Flash News: DoD Contract Aircraft Getting New International Callsign

Effective July 1, 2010, civil registered aircraft conducting contract missions for the US Department of Defense will no longer use ICAO code RCH or the REACH callsign. DoD contract aircraft will instead use ICAO code CMB and a voice callsign of CAMBER. Thanks to Tony Hyatt on the Farnborough group and Jack NeSmith for forwarding this information to the Milcom Monitoring Post.

Milcom Blog Logs - 15 Jun 2010 - Brasstown

For my monitor friends who are watching for the nationwide CAP exercise mentioned previously on this blog http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2010/06/cap-to-conduct-nationwide-exercise-soon.html. ALE intercepts were from 15 Jun 2010, times are UTC and rig was an Icom IC-706 MK11G and an 80 mtr G5RV.

[20:36:31][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 06
[21:04:05][FRQ 06773000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[17:59:00][FRQ 06773000][SND][ ][TIS][0204SCCAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 04
[21:05:50][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[21:28:05][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004NYCAP ][AL0] BER 24 SN 05
[20:51:58][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0314MICAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[20:21:21][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 20 SN 05
[20:36:45][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[21:45:27][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 08
[19:41:21][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0041CTCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 06
[18:02:29][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 05
[17:52:11][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06
[21:41:46][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07
[17:54:02][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 22 SN 04
[20:55:29][FRQ 11402000][SND][ ][TIS][0314MICAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08
[19:33:21][FRQ 17412000][SND][ ][TIS][101NCRCAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 04
[20:59:05][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][0314MICAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[19:05:16][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][0314MICAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07

Milcom Blog Logs: Baltops 2010 Intercepts

Wolfgang nr Munich, Germany, passed along the following Baltops 2010 Exercise logs via the UDXF. Thanks Wolfgang for sharing your observations with the rest of us.

05173.0 SWG: USS Stephen W. Groves FFG29 USA 0732 usb clg SIM for rc, pd check , then clg MTW for same check 2010-06-16.

05173.0 MTW: USS Mount Whitney LCC20 USA 0725 usb called by SIM rc, out 2010-06-16

05173.0 SIM: USS Simpson FFG56 USA 0725 usb clg MTW for rc, out 2010-06-16

05173.0 BAY: FGS Bayern F217 (DRAJ) GER 1945 usb qso with GIANT, rdo chk, out 2010-06-15

05173.0 GIANT: USS Mount Whitney LCC 20 USA 1945 usb clg any unit, raising BAY, rc, out 2010-06-15

06777.2 DRFP: FGS Herten M1099 D 0937 usb/stanag4285/75L qso dhj59 2010-06-13

Milcom Blog Logs - 3-15 Jun 2010 - Kentucky

Our good friend Jack Metcalfe in Kentucky has been monitoring the Fed/Mil HF airwaves and checks in with the following intercepts.

4521.5 BNR & FOX, US Army or NG: 0025 USB ALE (09/JUNE/2010)
BNR & HQ1, US Army or NG: 1206 USB ALE (11/JUNE/2010)

5211.0 37HHC37BCT & 126CAV37BCT, US Army or NG: 2104 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)

5778.5 BNR & FOX, US Army or NG: 0031 USB ALE (09/JUNE/2010)

7361.5 R581, helo & TOCFMH, US Military Tactical Operations Center ground station: 2244 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)

7535.0 Unid USN ship calling SESEF NORFOLK: 1447 USB Voice & ANDVT (15/JUNE/2010)

7571.0 Link 11: 1445 USB (15/JUNE/2010)

7718.5 R22962 & FLTOPS, US Army or NG: 1707 USB ALE here & on 8058.5 & 9121.0 (03/JUNE/2010)

8048.5 BNR & HQ1, US Army or NG: 0013 USB ALE (13/JUNE/2010)

8095.0 DEFAULT, possibly US Army station: 0011 USB ALE (13/JUNE/2010)

8291.0 Unid US Station with "1, 2, 3 Test - 3, 2, 1 Test Out": 1556 USB Voice (11/JUNE/2010)

9081.5 1 calling 2: 1933 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)
37HHC37BCT & 126CAV37BCT, US Army or NG: 2144 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)
OPSFMH, US Military ground station & R626, helo here & on 6911.5 & 7361.5: 0024 (13/JUNE/2010)

9106.0 KFW652, Unid US Government station, WV: 2054 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)

9295.0 OTTAWAEXLONGW, STJOHNSEXLONGW & YELLOWKEXLONGW, Canadian Forces?: 1157 - 1735 USB ALE (11/JUNE/2010)

10538.6 Coast Guard SECTOR KEY WEST calling SWORDFISH 14 on "High Fox in the red" & asking how long they can stay in the area: 1509 USB Voice (15/JUNE/2010)

10711.0 LINK 11 on SESEF frequency: 1452 DSB (15/JUNE/2010)

10821.0 MUIOPS, Muir Army Airfield, Fort Indiantown Gap, PA calling helo R074: 1844 USB ALE (08/JUNE/2010)

11217.0 PXJNNN, USN/USMC MARS & KGD34, SHARES, Arlington, VA: 1329 USB ALE & AMD "// A00 ENROUTE" (11/JUNE/2010)

11631.5 BNR & HQ1 US Army or NG: 2351 USB ALE (12/JUNE/2010)
BNLOG & HQ1 US Army or NG: 0004 USB ALE. Also active on 8048.5 USB ALE (13/JUNE/2010)

14653.0 N2Y, New York NG calling HQ3: 1650 USB ALE (11/JUNE/2010)

16090.0 JES & BGD, unid stations: 1451 USB ALE & ANDVT (15/JUNE/2010)

German COMSATBw UHF Milsat Update

Ronald Rensen in the Netherlands on the Hearsat newsgroup posted up the following UHF transponder updates this morning for the ComsatBW-1/2 military communications
satellites:

Active transponders (all 38 kHz) on UHF from ComsatBW-1 (63°E) currently are :

243.6250 MHz
254.7750 MHz
259.2500 MHz

Active transponders (all 38 kHz) on UHF from ComsatBW-2 (13.2°E) currently are :

244.2750 MHz
249.4000 MHz
250.9000 MHz
255.7750 MHz
259.4250 MHz

WADS to Participate in Live Exercise June 15-17

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, along with its Alaskan and Canadian counterparts, will participate in Exercise Amalgam Dart Tuesday through Thursday off the coasts of northwestern U.S., western Canada and Alaska.

The exercise is designed to hone NORAD, CONR, Alaskan and Canadian NORAD Region's intercept and identification operations. These exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure a rapid response capability.

CONR, along with its Eastern and Western Air Defense Sectors, provides airspace surveillance and control and directs all air sovereignty activities over the continental United States. CANR and ANR control airspace in Canada and Alaska respectively.

U.S. Air Force C-21 jets will take on the role as tracks of interest. They will fly during daylight hours at altitudes above 15,000 feet off the Alaskan, British Columbian, Washington and Oregon Coasts.

For the CONR piece of the exercise, the Western Air Defense Sector, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., will scramble Air Force fighters and direct them to intercept the C-21s. The fighters will be F-15 Eagles from the Air National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing in Portland, Ore., and 120th FW in Great Falls, Mont. An E-3 Sentry from the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker AFB, Okla., will provide airborne warning and control. KC-135 Stratotankers from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild AFB, Wash., will provide aerial refueling to the E-3.

ANR and CANR will scramble fighters as the TOIs move into their respective airspace areas.

NORAD and CONR have conducted exercise flights of this nature throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle, the command's response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, CONR has responded to more than 2,600 possible air threats in the United States and has flown more than 56,400 sorties with the support of Airborne Warning and Control System and air-to-air-refueling aircraft.

Tanker operation fuels half of U.S. Central Command's air assets

by Staff Sgt. Kelly White, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- In some form or fashion, every Airman deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility feels the effects of round-the-clock air operations, but perhaps none are more in tune with it than those working at the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in Southwest Asia.

"Right now, there are more than 30 airplanes and almost 50 crews performing aerial refueling missions for (Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom)," said Lt. Col. Michael Frymire, the 340th EARS commander. "Obviously, we're 24/7/365, and all that we accomplish, with what little we have, keeps things here very interesting."

While there are other tankers in theater supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, the 340th EARS KC-135 Stratotankers are the sole providers of air refueling over Iraq and providers of 45-50 percent of refueling over Afghanistan.

"Using my own paradigm from other flying squadrons, the amount of infrastructure we have here, based on the size of the operation, it's pretty amazing we're able to sustain it," Colonel Frymire said.

"We have an interesting dynamic," he said. "We're total force -- completely 'rainbowed' between active-duty, guard and Reserve members. There aren't too many flying organizations that do that."

Because of this dynamic, the squadron experiences frequent member turnover.

"There are about 15 different units here at any given time, and we have weekly deployment and redeployment -- crews coming in, crews going out -- and we do that continuously," the colonel said.

"A lot of times it gets absolutely crazy over here," Colonel Frymire said, "and most of our folks work seven days a week. I try not to kill them with 12-hour shifts, but there's a definite burn-out factor. It's tough on them, because things never stabilize."

The 340th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airmen are also working to make the mission happen.

"Our AMU is amazing," Colonel Frymire said. "We can't get off the ground without their support."

Capt. Clarence Lovejoy, the 340th EARS assistant director of operations, one of the many behind-the-scenes Airmen whose dedication and expertise helps make refueling happen throughout the area of responsibility, tackles the daily task of flight scheduling.

After deciphering air tasking orders from the Combined Air Operations Center and extracting the points most pertinent to the aircrews, he builds their daily flight plans and tracks every flight hour for the nearly 50 crews.

"We keep up a pretty good pace," Captain Lovejoy said. "We do a lot of planning, but it's basically the crews that handle the workload. They're flying long sorties.

"Our crews often will push their monthly flying hour limits, so we have to sit them down for a few days," he explained. "And on top of flying hours, we have to keep them on a circadian rhythm, which is probably the biggest challenge."

Another challenge is fitting the right crew with the right aircraft, Colonel Frymire said.

"Not every crew here can fly every configuration of the airplane," he said. "Our jets are subtly different. The (multi-point refueling system) pods on the sides require special aircrew certifications.

"Our alert requirement every day is typically an MPRS tail, because we can do either boom or drogue, which means we can refuel the Navy or the Air Force," he said.

Daily and alert missions aren't all the squadron flies.

"We support (Combined Forces Air Component Command), CAOC and (Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component), so we do several special ops missions every day, as well," the colonel said.

Regardless of the type of mission the 340th EARS flies, there's one thing they all have in common: refueling other aircraft in the sky above the AOR. This responsibility rests on the one enlisted aircrew member on board -- the boom operator.

From a prone position in the tail area of the KC-135, the boom operator views the receiving aircraft, positions the boom apparatus to connect with the receiver, and provides it with the fuel needed to complete its mission.

"This is some of the best flying," said Tech Sgt. Jeff Stoermer, a 340th EARS boom operator. "In 60 days here, we do what it takes a year to do at home station."

In addition to operating the boom, his position entails several other responsibilities.

"I'm the third set of eyes, after the pilot and co-pilot," Sergeant Stoermer said. "I also do loadmaster and flight engineer functions, kind of a jack-of-all-trades on board the aircraft."

Colonel Frymire said he's most impressed with how all of the Airmen in his squadron perform so well at a mission that is ever-increasing in its demand on them.

"The volume of work all these folks do is just unbelievable," he said. "We've been here doing this refueling mission for awhile, and we make small changes and continuous process improvements over time.

"But at the end of the day, it's just people working hard, focusing on the mission and getting it done -- that, and lots of coffee."

UHF Milsat Frequency Update

Nils on the Hearsat newsgroup posted up the following UHF transponder updates this morning for the ComsatBW-1 and Skynet 5B military communications satellites:

Active transponders (all 38 kHz) on UHF from ComsatBW-1 (63°E) currently are :

243.625 MHz (replaced 244.275)
251.775 MHz
254.775 MHz (replaced 248.750)
255.450 MHz (replaced 255.500)
259.250 MHz (replaced 259.425)

These changes are probably in preperation of activating ComSatBW-2's transponders on UHF.

Skynet 5B's (53°E) current 38 kHz transponders have been observed as follows:

247.830 MHz
250.180 MHz (now 38 kHz)
254.830 MHz
257.900 MHz
262.500 MHz

Thanks Nils for sharing your observations with the rest of the milsat monitoring community.

Milcom Blog Logs - HF Jun 8-10, 2010 - Mid Atlantic

Our regular MMP reporter Ron P in the Mid Atlantic checks in again with his latest installment of military and government HF logs. All times UTC and Frequencies in kHz.

8 Jun:

08500.0 T8R1 (HQs Venezuelan Navy): 2322 LSB/ALE calling 7P4S (poss Training ship "Simon Bolivar", BE-11).

08157.0 Unid: 2335 STANAG 4285.

04593.5 AFA3WZ (USAF MARS): 2344 USB w/various stations in NE2S1 net.

9 Jun:

09106.0 KTQ316 (poss Environmental Protection Agency): 1500 USB/ALE sounding.

09106.0 ARC51 (American Red Cross): 1530 USB/ALE sounding.

08500.0 6QA8 (poss Venezuelan Navy frigate): 2300 LSB/ALE calling T5L1 (Commander, Frigate Squadron).

10 Jun:

08500.0 7P4S (poss Training Ship "Simon Bolivar", BE-11): 0100 LSB/ALE calling T8R1 (HQs Venezuelan Navy). Also on 08280.0 LSB.

11451.0 CHPNSC140 (AT&T, Chapin SC): 1600 USB/ALE calling MDTNNJ (AT&T, Middletown NJ).

11451.0 CHPNSC140 (AT&T, Chapin SC): 2000 USB/ALE calling PHNXAZ212 (AT&T, Phoenix AZ).

Milcom Blog Logs - 12 Jun 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

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

3370.5 HF-USB
0111Z - AFD6RD NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M3 net

3388.0 HF-USB
0125Z - Link-11 data transmission

4007.0 HF-USB
0032Z - NNN0BVA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0THC / NNN0QGR / NNN0HBY
0103Z - NNN0KRX NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I1B net: NNN0REN / NNN0AQP

4011.0 HF-USB
1303Z - Navy/MC Region 7 MARS 7X3C net: NNN0AVT

4013.5 HF-USB
0012Z - NNN0BDW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0BTG

4020.9 HF-USB
1202Z - AAA6AR NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAM6AR / AAR6HB
1308Z - AAR6LN NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6LE / AAM6TX

4035.9 HF-USB
0008Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAM7TIA
0105Z - AAM7AMO NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net
1200Z - AAA7KS NCS for the Army Region 7 Kansas MARS AAA7RD/KS net: AAA7RD / AAT7CN / AAR7MS
1306Z - AAM7RT NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7EMO

4038.5 HF-USB
0108Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Tennessee MARS 4H2B net: NNN0AOC
0200Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0QAA / NNN0SWS

4470.5 HF-USB
0203Z - Navy/MC Region 8 North / South Dakota MARS 8S1B net: NNN0AXK

4506.0 HF-USB
0030Z - Red-Cloud-335 NCS for the North Central Region Nebraska "Red-Cloud" CAP net: Red-Cloud-144 / Iowa-CAP-04 / Red-Cloud-194 / Red-Cloud-124 / Red-Cloud-618

4517.0 HF-USB
0016Z - AFA5ML NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCECM1 net: AFA5PB
0102Z - AFN7NC NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFA5ML / AFE7DM
1259Z - AFF5MN NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5MNS1 net: AFA5BP

4601.0 HF-USB
1331Z - Rocky Mountain Region CAP net: Aspen-Gold-##

4772.0 HF-USB
0124Z - Link-11 data transmission

5171.0 HF-USB
0123Z - Link-11 data transmission

5898.0 HF-USB
0807Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc

7260.5 HF-LSB
1411Z - W0S (Tom -retired Navy) special events station Commemorating 149 years of the Stars & Stripes Newspaper @ the Stars & Stripes Museum in Bloomfield, MO works W0LFZ & W5BSX 06/11/2010 | Jun http://www.qsl.net/w8njh/specialevent.html

7302.0 HF-USB
1302Z - AFD6RD NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6ADS1 net
1401Z - AFA6CF NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M4 net: AFA6WD / AFA6CN / AFA6QR / AFA6FY / AFA6FD-T

7457.0 HF-USB
1317Z - Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4WJ / AFA4TS / AFA4ZV / AFA4JZ

8992.0 HF-USB
0121Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) provide radio check to Reach-2105
0132Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM CQAZFT

9025.0 HF-USB
[08:10:12][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 18 SN 07
[08:10:53][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[09:40:20][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05
[11:10:28][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06
[11:35:56][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 11 SN 06

10242.0 HF-USB
[06:44:34][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][NAS ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06
NAS - USCGC ESCANABA (WMEC 907)
[21:06:15][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][719 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 04

11175.0 HF-USB
0010Z - Mushmelon (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) w/ "standing by for tfc" statement
0039Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) provide radio check to Blue-93
0040Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) provide radio check to Reach-249
0044Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) provide second radio check to Reach-249
0051Z - ________ (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) w/ "standing by for tfc" statement
0147Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) provide radio check to ___-##
0231Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) provide radio checks to Reach-666
1225Z - Aircraft-186 calz Any Station for HF radio check; Aircraft-059; Andrews (HF-GCS) & Offutt (HF-GCS) respond
1703Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) more to follow stand-by precede 28 character EAM U7ADZW
2332Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING, do not answer: TYE; time: 32; authentication: AY

11226.0 HF-USB
[02:09:38][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[02:18:04][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 13 SN 07
[02:37:41][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][HIK ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[04:09:43][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ICZ ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[23:16:36][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06

11282.0 HF-USB
0140Z - San Francisco Radio w/ Alaska 67 rqsted FL 370 http://flightaware.com/live/flight/ASA67
0141Z - San Francisco Radio w/ American 28 destination San Francisco Intl
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL28
0144Z - San Francisco Radio w/ Air Canada 047 cleared to FL 360
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/ACA47

11494.0 HF-USB
[17:08:16][CHN 01][TO ][J23 J82 ][TIS][LNT ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[17:08:24][CHN 01][TO ][J23 ][TIS][LNT ][AL0] BER 20 SN 05
[17:08:38][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][K15 ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06

13312.0 HF-USB
[20:41:44][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][YWL ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05
YWL - USCGC THETIS (WMEC 910)

15043.0 HF-USB
[18:49:03][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05

15867.0 HF-USB
[17:49:19][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D49 ][AL0] BER 21 SN 06
D49 - CBP P-3 AEW&C #N149CS/BuNo 154581, Corpus Christi AMB, TX

18003.0 HF-USB
[18:57:31][CHN 01][TO ][OFF ][TWS][RSC ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05
OFF - Offutt HF-GCS, NE
RSC - Rockwell SCOPE Command Facility, Dallas TX

20890.0 HF-USB
[19:39:07][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][I43 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06
I43 - CBP BEECH 65-A90 #N43SA, Miami AMB

Milcom Blog Logs - 11 Jun 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

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

3390.0 HF-USB
0101Z - Navy/MC Region 4 MARS 4X9B net: NNN0SYF / NNN0ICX

3963.0 HF-LSB
2247Z - Missouri TFC net

4005.0 HF-USB
0032Z - Link-11 data transmission

4007.0 HF-USB
0032Z - NNN0THC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0SVW pass 1 msg MT-63 / NNN0QGR
0105Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I1B net: NNN0SVC
2333Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net: NNN0BQH

4008.5 HF-USB
0100Z - NNN0ELL NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 South Texas MARS 6S1B net

4011.0 HF-USB
2303Z - Navy/MC Region 6 Arkansas MARS 6A1B net: NNN0WKH / NNN0ACC

4013.5 HF-USB
0006Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0BTG

4020.9 HF-USB
0003Z - AAR6CX NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net
1205Z - AAR6HB NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAM6OK

4035.9 HF-USB
0004Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAR7AT
0107Z - AAM7AKS NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAR7FB
0201Z - AAM7EMO NCS for the Army Region 7 Missouri MARS AAA7RD/MO net: AAA7RD / AAM7AKS / AAR7FB / AAV7BC / AAR7AO / AAM7MO / AAR7DZ
1203Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/C net: AAR7FA / AAM7TIA / AAA7RD
1304Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7AKS

4038.5 HF-USB
0204Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0IIE

4470.5 HF-USB
0200Z - NNN0XFB NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 North / South Dakota MARS 8S1B net

4500.0 HF-USB
0010Z - Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S1 net: AFF4MS / AFA4SW / AFF4VN / AFA4UF

4506.0 HF-USB
0103Z - Iowa-CAP-04 NCS for a North Central Region CAP net

4517.0 HF-USB
0009Z - Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCTGM1 net: AFA5DD-T
0102Z - Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFN7NC
1301Z - AFA7HZ NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFA7BU / AFA5RF / AFA7MR

4604.0 HF-USB
2330Z - Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red_Fox" CAP net: Red-Fox-24 / Red-Fox-79 / Red-Fox-82 / Red-Fox-93 / Red-Fox-98

4627.0 HF-USB
0030Z - Wild-Wood-46 NCS for the Southwest Region Arkansas "Wild-Wood" CAP net
1200Z - Wild-Wood-46 NCS for the Southwest Region Arkansas "Wild-Wood" CAP net: Wild-Wood-07 / Wild-Wood-11 / Wild-Wood-40 / Wild-Wood-45 / Wild-Wood-60 / Wild-Wood-4204 / Wild-Wood-95 / Wild-Wood-9704 / Wild-Wood-707 / Wild-Wood-1504 / Goldenrod-595 / Mockingbird-08

4630.0 HF-USB
0002Z - Southwest Region Texas CAP net

4724.0 HF-USB
0742Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) w/ "standing by for tfc" statement

4772.0 HF-USB
0743Z - Link-11 data transmission

5883.0 HF-AM
0729Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc

6835.0 HF-USB
0746Z - Link-11 data transmission

7302.0 HF-USB
1308Z - AFF6RM NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M1 net

7457.0 HF-USB
1306Z - Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4JI / AFA4ZX

8992.0 HF-USB
0041Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) pass two 28 character EAMs: CQXWMQ & CQIPNW & 32 character EAM 2DGTB5 separated by "more to follow, stand-by" then Ambrosia "standing by for tfc (x 2) then Ambrosia, out
0109Z - Fletcher (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) "standing by for tfc" (x 2) then signed down
0120Z - Fletcher (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) pass three 28 character EAMs: CQYGO5; CQXWMQ & CQIPNW separated by "more to follow, stand-by" then Fletcher "standing by for tfc (x 2) then Fletcher, out
0127Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) overrides last transmission of Fletcher to pass 28 character EAM CQZU23 to All Stations
0130Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats three 28 character EAMs: CQYGO5; CQXWMQ & CQIPNW separated by "more to follow, stand-by"
0145Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM CQIF6O to All Stations

9025.0 HF-USB
[05:06:32][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06
[05:10:42][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[05:49:38][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 12 SN 04
[06:05:57][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][PLA ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[06:36:49][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05
[07:19:51][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05
[08:06:54][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 7 SN 04
[08:58:17][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 20 SN 06
[10:28:25][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05
[11:07:23][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[11:11:28][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06

9121.5 HF-USB
0745Z - Link-11 data transmission

10162.0 HF-USB
[14:34:14][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][100SWR ][AL0] BER 12 SN 06

10895.0 HF-USB
1703Z - Link-11 data transmission

11175.0 HF-USB
0310Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) passes 22 character EAM CQCQGZ; 28 character EAM CQYGO5 & 28 character EAM CQXWMQ separated by "more to follow, stand-by" then the "standing by for tfc" statement
0320Z - Twister (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) pass 22 character EAM CQCQGZ then the "standing by for tfc" statement
0400Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM CQCQGZ
0410Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ followed by the "standing by for tfc" statement
0420Z - Twister (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ followed by the "standing by for tfc" statement
0440Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ followed by the "standing by for tfc" statement
0450Z - Twister (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ followed by the "standing by for tfc" statement
0500Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ
0146Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass ## character EAM
0750Z - Twister (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) repeats 22 character EAM CQCQGZ followed by the "standing by for tfc" statement
1501Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) "more to follow, stand-by" precede 28 character EAM CQAHGV
1708Z - McClellan (HF-GCS) respond to Postcard MAINSAIL call; mentions Blackeye & Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP)
1711Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) responds to station calling on 11175 (no joy noted)
1804Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) calz Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) (no joy)
2210Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) standing by for tfc
2250Z - _______ (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) standing by for tfc
2310Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) standing by for tfc
2311Z - Jet Blue 692 rqst selcal check fm Andrews http://flightaware.com/live/flight/JBU692
2338Z - Yankee-91 w/ McClelland (HF-GCS) for pp to Yankee SDO to have PPR @ DB Flight Center @ at Waukegan Regional Airport cancelled
2340Z - Ambrosia (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) standing by for tfc
2350Z - Reach-1822 w/ Andrews (HF-GCS) for radio check
2350Z - ____ant (USSTRATCOM ABNCP) standing by for tfc

11226.0 HF-USB
[03:32:14][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[22:18:11][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][180 ][AL0] BER 16 SN 07
[22:21:33][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 22 SN 07
[22:27:14][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][277173 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05

11494.0 HF-USB
[20:14:37][CHN 01][TO ][LNT ][TIS][719 ][AL0] BER 20 SN 07

13200.0 HF-USB
0209Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) repeats 28 character EAM CQIPNW

Milcom Blog Logs - 10 Jun 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

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

4005.0 HF-USB
1054Z - Link-11 data transmission (NO QRM)

4007.0 HF-USB
2234Z - NNN0POY NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D3B net: NNN0TUL
2333Z - NNN0BQH NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Minnesota MARS 5G1B net

4020.9 HF-USB
1103Z - AAA6LA NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6JC / AAM6OK / AAR6QZ

4026.9 HF-USB
1105Z - AAV4WR NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/B net: AAM4SC / AAR4VB

4506.0 HF-USB
2301Z - MO-CAP-09 NCS for the North Central Region Missouri "MO-CAP" CAP net: MO-CAP-309 / Yellow-Brick-59 w/ no tfc
2335Z - Yellow-Brick-56 NCS for the North Central Region Kansas "Yellow-Brick" CAP net: Yellow-Brick-12 / Yellow-Brick-14 / Yellow-Brick-59 w/ no tfc / Yellow-Brick-174

4517.0 HF-USB
1100Z - AFA5ML NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM2 net: AFF7KS / AFA7KJ

4604.0 HF-USB
2303Z - Great Lakes Region Indiana "Red_Fire" CAP net involved in roll-call

4772.0 HF-USB
0453Z - Link-11 data transmission

5171.0 HF-USB
0454Z - Link-11 data transmission

9025.0 HF-USB
[02:46:01][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][180221 ][AL0] BER 17 SN 07
[03:27:36][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 7 SN 04
[03:29:17][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06
[03:32:05][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 16 SN 07
[04:11:21][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][HIK ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05
[05:43:01][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][PLA ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[05:43:02][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][PLA ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[06:29:37][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 05
[06:29:39][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 19 SN 05
[07:32:23][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][825764 ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05
[07:41:32][CHN 01][TO ][ADW ][TIS][825764 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06
[07:59:47][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05
[08:41:46][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][HIK ][AL0] BER 6 SN 05
[09:34:49][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][AED ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05
[12:19:13][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][180224 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 03
[12:30:24][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05
[12:33:17][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06

9121.5 HF-USB
0508Z - Link-11 data transmission

10162.0 HF-USB
[18:11:32][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][0011AR ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06 0011AR - Civil Air Patrol, Arkansas
[18:29:43][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05 AVS - Avenging Spirit
[19:28:18][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05
[19:28:28][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][100SWR ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05
0100SWRCAP - U.S. Civil Air Patrol - SW Regional HQ
100SWR - U.S. Civil Air Patrol - SW Regional HQ
[20:09:34][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 12 SN 04

13200.0 HF-USB
1733Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass two 32 character EAMs: 2DGTB5 & 2D4242, separated by "more to follow, stand-by" statement
2001Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM CQIPNW followed by repeat of two 32 character EAMs: 2DGTB5 & 2D4242; all three separated by "more to follow, stand-by" statement

Thursday War Frequency

From Michel and our friend Graham Tanner on UDXF:

05206.0 KK, KI w CONTROL / exercices NATO ? 0619 USB eng ( german & uk accent ) d/x 10jun10 Michel

It is a 'Thursday War' frequency. Every Thursday the Royal Navy and other NATO naval forces have a large exercise in 'La Manche' between Brittany/Normandy and Cornwall/Devon. As would be expected, all the vessels use codes rather than their ship-names, but you can usually work out the nationality of the ship from the accent on the radio.

Graham Tanner

CAP To Conduct a Nationwide Exercise Soon

According to a post on Mike Marek's Facebook page, the CAP will be conducting a nationwide communications exercise sometime between now and the 4th of July.

According to Marek: "Some time in the next few weeks, before July 4th, we will be conducting a national communications exercise. Of course, we will not announce the exact date ahead of time, but I am writing to advise you of the general scenario, so you can prepare. I told the region DCS-COMMs about this some time back, so hopefully many of you already know the general outline.

"The national elements of this exercise are driven by the need to ramp up our use of HF-ALE. Regions and Wing should lay their own plans for how you pursue the exercise internally, as long as you do not use commercial telecommunications systems.

"The exercise will begin with an e-mail. Wings will be asked to report readiness to deploy across wing boundaries, reporting specific bits of information. For example, number of air crews, ground teams, aircraft and ground team vehicles available to deploy to another wing, or something along those lines.

"After collecting the information (without using the commercial infrastructure) wings will use radio to deliver the information to one of the two formal National Command Net (NCN) stations in their region, using formal traffic. The National Command Net stations will deliver the messages to AVS during the day and/or to a special National Headquarters station during evening hours. Messages will be received during certain pre-announced hours for a certain number of days. We will not announce in advance the geographic location of this special "evening hours" station.

"Wings should be prepared to operate HF-ALE, either from a regular existing station, or from a temporary RDP station. Only formally-appointed NCN stations should sound on the NCN frequencies, designated Net 1 in the standard frequency load of CAP's HF radios.

"This structure obviously leaves a lot of discretion to the regions and wings as to how you internally distribute the request for information and receive it back. I encourage you to include as many of your members as possible using HF, VHF, and even ISR radios."

So to my regular HF monitoring team, time to gear up on the CAP HF nets and watch for some activity in the near future.

Milcom Air Show Field Report - Spain

Mr. J. Martin in Spain passes along the following air show updates.

"Here are some notes for a future edition of the great MT Air Show Guide."

Italy Frecce Tricolori , ground support team uses 440.450 (FM), in addition to MT2010 confirmed freqs.

Spain Patrulla Aguila now sometimes uses 241.950 instead of 252.500.

Spain Patrulla Aspa (helicopter demo team) uses 119.000.

A bib Milcom blog thank you Mr. Martin and if you have an update from an airshow that you attend, please pass it along to the email address in the masthead. We rely on these field report to compile the next edition of the MT Air Show Guide which will appear in the March 2011 edition of Monitoring Times. You can download the current edition online at http://monitoringtimes.com/MT_Air_Show_Guide_2010.pdf.

BALTOPS 2010 Kicks Off

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Jenniffer Rivera, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Europe

USS MOUNT WHITNEY, At Sea (NNS) -- Maritime forces from 12 countries began participating in a multinational naval exercise in the Baltic Sea June 7-19.

The Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise is an annual event aimed at improving interoperability and cooperation among regional allies.

"The United States has sponsored BALTOPS for the past 37 years because of the unique opportunity it offers," said Rear Adm. Michelle Howard, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2. "It allows us to operate collectively with our regional partners and enhance maritime security in the Baltic Sea."

During the exercise Sailors will work side-by-side with other personnel from partner nations, both on land and at sea, and will become familiar with countries' military operating procedures and practices.

"BALTOPS has traditionally been a maritime exercise with operations conducted solely at sea, but this year's exercise has added two additional pieces," said British Navy Rear Adm. Ian Corder, deputy commander, Combined Joint Task Forces BALTOPS. "We will be conducting an offload in Latvia and an amphibious exercise in Estonia. While the maritime piece remains the primary activity of BALTOPS, these other two pillars provide diversity of operations not previously experienced in this exercise."

The goal is to work together to improve each country's ability to counter threats to maritime safety and security and conduct other operations such as peacekeeping or humanitarian responses.

Nations participating in this 38th anniversary of BALTOPS include Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Sweden and the United States.

"We recognize the commitment of nations in providing these forces, and we are grateful for their contributions," said Corder. "Accordingly, we have a challenging and relevant exercise planned, with portions of the training dedicated to counter-piracy and maritime interdictions operations, two areas in which many navies currently focus much of their time and energy."

The events scheduled for range from traditional activities to emerging missions. Some of the traditional activities include mine clearance operations, anti-submarine warfare and surface-to-air defense, while the newer operations include counterpiracy, small-boat attack and other maritime security tasks.

Reservists talk to Congress about aerial spray mission

by Col. Bob Thompson, Office of Air Force Reserve

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Six reservists fresh from the fight to save the Gulf of Mexico coast from one of the worst oil spills in U.S. history briefed congressional members and staffers here June 7 and 8.

As part of the military's only fixed-wing aerial spray team, the Airmen flew specially configured C-130 Hercules aircraft 100 feet above the water and sprayed an oil dispersant to break the oil slick into smaller droplets. Then, the detergent-like dispersant pushed the droplets down to the microorganisms that eat the oil.

"On April 28 at 10:30 p.m., we got the call," said Maj. Drew Tancer, a pilot and the operations officer who led the first-responders from Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio. "Fourteen to 15 hours later, we were on scene."

Major Tancer led a team of about 60 reservists and two C-130 aircraft from the 910th Airlift Wing. Working in careful coordination with the Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, the Reserve aerial spray team covered more than 30,000 acres with oil dispersant in the six weeks they were engaged.

The congressional staffers listened to the reservists' brief, and then asked questions about the oil dispersant and the aerial spraying equipment.

"An oil dispersant is used to mitigate the environmental disaster," said Maj. Mark Breidenbaugh, an entomologist from the 910th AW. "It is like a detergent soap that breaks the oil up and moves it under the water so it stays in the water column. This speeds up the natural process that breaks down the oil."

From May 1 until the reservists left Mississippi on June 4, they flew 92 missions and sprayed nearly 150,000 gallons of oil dispersant on the Gulf of Mexico's spill area.

"It comes down to do you want to fight it on the beach or fight it on the water?" said Col. Fritz Linsenmeyer, the 910th AW commander. "The products we use are pre-approved by the EPA and Coast Guard. And, although this spray is like a soap, you wouldn't put it in the water unless you had to. We want to do anything we can to protect the coast as much as possible from this disaster."

For nearly two decades, members of the 910th AW have participated in oil-spill cleanup exercises with the Coast Guard in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Aerial spray is a unique mission conducted by members of the Air Force Reserve, and the Youngstown Airmen have developed close partnerships with other first-responders and insight into disaster response operations.

"After providing the first response, our military aerial spray operators have now returned to home station," Colonel Linsenmeyer said. "This is normal for these situations."

Rear Adm. Mary Landry, the federal on-scene coordinator for the oil spill response, signed a memo releasing the Air Force Reserve planes and people from the spray mission.

Under a transition plan, civilian planes are taking over the delivery of oil dispersant in the gulf waters.

"The military gets things started and now civilian contractors are flying the continuing operations," Colonel Linsenmeyer said. "But, if we're needed to go back, our team is ready at a moment's notice."

"We're proud of what we have contributed to our nation and our communities," Major Breidenbaugh said.