STS-116 Launch Report: Update

Thanks to Milo for the time lapse shot of the STS-116 launch.

STS-116 Launch specifics:
Launch date/time: December 10, 2006 0147 UTC; December 9, 2006 9:47 EST
Launcher: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch location: Kennedy Space Center, Launch complex/pad: 39B
International Designator: 2006-055A
SSC #: 29647

Here is the latest frequency report related to the STS-116 launch:

SRB Ship Recovery Net (Freedom/Liberty Star/Cape Radio)
7765.0 7833.0 10780.0 kHz (USB)

UHF Milsat SAR Support Net 252.150 MHz (NFM) Cape Osborne, DOD Cape, DoD Moron, Herky 641/651, and Wolfden. Audio recordings from Paul Marsh and UHF-Satcom.com are available at http://www.uhf-satcom.com/sounds/252150_081206.wav and http://www.uhf-satcom.com/sounds/252150_081206a.wav


46.6500 CCAFS JOLLY 1-4 air-air
118.625 CCAFS Tower
118.900 Space Coast Regional Tower
121.750 NASA Ground
121.850 Space Coast Regional Ground
123.600 FSS St Pete Radio
124.800 Orlando Approach
126.650 KSC WX / STA
128.550 NASA Tower
132.650 Orlando Approach
133.475 Miami Center – Melbourne
133.750 Patrick Tower
133.800 Cape Control
138.450 ETR/Launch Contingency Forces DOD CAPE (AM Mode)
139.825 Shaw AFB 77th FS PITMAN air-air
141.300 ETR Range/Restricted Area Surveillance VARIETY Net (AM) also 294.600
143.800 NORAD CAP 20FW aircraft air-to-air PITMAN
152.345 Spaceport USA repeater [pl 167.9]
152.405 Spaceport USA repeater [pl 167.9]
154.515 Space Port USA Tour Control [pl 167.9]
156.600 Marine Ch 12 FREEDOM STAR
156.800 Marine Ch 16 SECTOR JACKSONVILLE, STATION PORT CANAVERAL
157.075 Marine Ch 81A RANGE CONTROL
157.125 Marine Ch 82A BRD, FREEDOM STAR
157.150 Marine Ch 23A STATION CANAVERAL
157.175 Marine Ch 83 BEAR COVE
228.900 NORAD KSC CAP HUNTRESS
251.900 Patrick AFB
252.000 NORAD KSC CAP HUNTRESS
253.600 CCAFS WAVE GROUND, probable B3 Range Safety Net
255.500 Patrick AFB JOLLY OPS
259.700 Shuttle Air-Ground 1
260.900 NORAD CAP AR boom
264.800 Range Support/Control CAPE RADIO/CONTROL
269.300 Miami Center – Melbourne
270.000 CCAFS Projects
284.000 NASA Tower
294.600 ETR Range/Restricted Area Surveillance VARIETY Net (AM) also 141.300
311.000 Patrick AFB Command Post/King-Jolly AR Boom
321.000 Patrick AFB Command Post/Air-to-Air
343.700 Miami Center – Melbourne
345.000 USCG Primary
349.600 Range Contingency Support
411.400 [pl 118.8]
411.450 [pl 123.0] Direct 7


KSC Trunk Radio System:
Complete information on this system can be found on our Monitoring NASA and Space Communications file available on the Monitoring Times website.

TG 336 Comm 107
TG 416 Radio Maint
TG 656 Test counts
TG 688 Alarm Tech
TG 976 Fire 116
TG 1120 Unknown user/usage
TG 1136 Fire Tac 1
TG 1200 Fire Training
TG 1296 KSC Medical-117
TG 1616 Safety-105
TG 1648 Orbiter Safety-110
TG 1680 Safety-205
TG 1760 Safety B Net
TG 1936 KSC Security 103
TG 1952 CCAFS Security 203
TG 2016 Security Escort
TG 2112 Security Tac 1
TG 2128 Security Tac 2
TG 2208 Unknown user/usage
TG 2896 Convoy Commander Net
TG 2928 Purge Net
TG 2960 Cooling Net
TG 5136 Unknown user/usage
TG 5392 Environmental Health
TG 5776 Maintenance
TG 6736 Photo / Timing
TG 7056 Unknown user/usage
TG 7760 Unknown user/usage
TG 7792 Unknown user/usage
TG 9936 PAO-108
TG 9952 PAO-1
TG 11600 NASA Tower
TG 12176 Unknown user/usage
TG 12192 Unknown user/usage
TG 12496 Support-104
TG 13136 Transportation-206
TG 13776 KSC TV Ops
TG 14096 Utilities-101
TG 14256 Utility-301
TG 18144 Unknown user/usage
TG 18256 FCA
TG 18272 Unknown user/usage
TG 20208 Unknown user/usage

As always your reports are appreciated and welcomed for this and future missions. Email address is in the masthead.

F-15 demo team transitions to F-22 demo team

by Senior Airman Heidi Davis1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
12/8/2006 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- The F-15 Eagle East Coast

Demonstration Team, one of seven single-ship demonstration teams assigned to Air Combat Command, concluded 27 years of performance history Dec. 1.

After averaging more than 30 air shows a year for about 4 million people in the four corners of the United States and everywhere in between, the 20-man demo team stood down in order to stand up the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team.

"This transition is healthy for the Air Force, and it's exciting to pass the torch and conclude the history of the team and a 27-year era," said Maj. Jason Costello, the 15th and final F-15 East Coast Demonstration Team pilot at Langley AFB.

Because there are now two full squadrons operating the Raptor and only one squadron to fly the F-15 mission, it would be difficult to sacrifice two F-15s each weekend to continue flying demonstrations, said Major Costello. Therefore, it only makes sense to embrace the new aircraft and highlight its capabilities worldwide.

Maj. Paul Moga will be the first pilot for the F-22 demo team. He is in the process of establishing a demonstration sketch for the F-22 team. ACC officials will unveil this sketch at air shows beginning in spring 2008.

Some of the highlights of the F-22 demonstrations could include a max performance takeoff, fast passes, vertical climbs, and high alpha loops with a horizontal turn then straight up and a back into a loop, said Major Costello.

Until then, the F-22 demo team will do small demonstrations, about five or six passes, around the United States to highlight some of the aircraft's capabilities.

"It's an honor to have the responsibility of bringing the Raptor to the public," Major Moga said.
To pay tribute to the F-15 demo teams' accomplishments, past and present demo team members, local civic leaders and media were invited for one last air show.

Amongst the attendees was Gen. Frank Gorenc, former 1st Fighter Wing commander and F-15 demo team pilot.

"We flew just before the Gulf War and right after," General Gorenc said. "It was exciting because it was during this time that everyone appreciated us. Military power had become evident, and the F-15 was symbolic of that. Now, it's critical to get the Raptor out there for people to see because its speed will be valuable in the war on terrorism."

During the show, Major Costello performed an aggressive tactical demonstration of the F-15's precise aerobatic maneuvering, high- and low-speed passes, rapid rolls and maximum performance climbs and descents, as the crowd oohed and aahed.

Even as the sky opened up, with rain, all eyes remained on the sky as aviation history went on display with the Air Force Heritage Flight. A World War II era P-51 Mustang and a Korean era F-86 Sabre flew in close formation with the F-15.

The air show was going to conclude with an aerial change of command, in which the F-22 would join the F-15 and then the F-15 would pass the lead of the formation to the F-22, symbolizing the change of command for the demo teams and the transition to an exciting future of Raptor demonstrations. However, torrential downpours ended the ceremony, and attendees exited the flightline toward shelter.

The ceremony continued at the 94th Fighter Squadron hangar, where retired Gen. Hal Hornburg, former ACC commander, spoke on the importance of the Air Force heritage in light of the F-15 demo team's long-standing history.

"We are the Air Force our allies want to copy," General Hornburg said. "They have the privilege of jumping up and down and saying, 'We're number two! We're number two!'"
General Hornburg also addressed the changing state of the Air Force and the wealth of Airmen.

"You are wealthy because you have the privilege to serve," he said. "It's a noble undertaking. Guard it. Protect it and don't willingly give it up. Take care of each other along the way."
Following, was the deactivation of the F-15 demo team and the activation of the F-22 demo team by Majors Costello and Moga.

Note: F-15 demonstrations will continue out of Eglin AFB, Fla., with the F-15 West Coast Demonstration Team.

STS-116 Scrub Frequency List

Image above: NASA officials including Administrator Mike Griffin, Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmeir and Launch Director Mike Leinbach review information during Thursday's liftoff attempt. Image Credit: NASA

Steve Hines reports the following ham repeaters in the Long Island NY area carrying NASA Shuttle Mission audio:

W2LRC Repeater 145.430 -600 136.5 Hz PL Larkfield ARC Smithtown
W2DQ Repeater 446.625 110.9 Hz PL Suffolk County ARC

Thanks Steve!

Here are some frequencies reported from the Thursday STS-116 Launch scrub. My thanks to the Hearsat-L, UDXF, and Milcom newsgroups, and a couple of anonymous contributors.

SRB Ship Recovery Net (Freedom/Liberty Star/Cape Radio) 7765.0 7833.0 10780.0 kHz (USB)

UHF Milsat SAR Support Net 252.150 MHz (NFM) Cape Osborne, DOD Cape, DoD Moron, Herky 641/651, and Wolfden. Audio recordings from Paul Marsh and UHF-Satcom.com are available at http://www.uhf-satcom.com/sounds/252150_081206.wav and http://www.uhf-satcom.com/sounds/252150_081206a.wav

46.6500 CCAFS JOLLY 1-4 air-air

118.625 CCAFS Tower

118.900 Space Coast Regional Tower

121.750 NASA Ground

121.850 Space Coast Regional Ground

123.600 FSS St Pete Radio

124.800 Orlando Approach

126.650 KSC WX / STA

128.550 NASA Tower

133.475 Miami Center – Melbourne

133.750 Patrick Tower

133.800 CAPE CONTROL

138.450am CCAFS

139.825 Shaw AFB 77th FS PITMAN air-air

141.300am CCAFS VARIETY

152.345 [pl 167.9] Spaceport USA repeater

152.405 [pl 167.9] Spaceport USA repeater

154.515 [pl 167.9] Space Port USA Tour Control

156.600 Ch 12 FREEDOM STAR

156.800 Ch 16 SECTOR JACKSONVILLE, STATION PORT CANAVERAL

157.075 Ch 81A RANGE CONTROL

157.125 Ch 82A BRD, FREEDOM STAR

157.150 Ch 23A STATION CANAVERAL

157.175 Ch 83 BEAR COVE

251.900 Patrick AFB

252.000 NORAD HUNTRESS

255.500 Patrick AFB Jolly Ops

259.700 Shuttle A-G

260.900 NORAD AR boom

264.800 CAPE RADIO

269.300 Miami Center – Melbourne

270.000 CCAFS Projects

284.000 NASA Tower

321.000 Patrick AFB

343.700 Miami Center – Melbourne

411.400 [pl 118.8]

411.450 [pl 123.0] Direct 7

KSC Trunk Radio System:

Complete information on this system can be found on our Monitoring NASA and Space Communications file available on the Monitoring Times website.

TG 336 Comm 107

TG 416 Radio Maint

TG 656 Test counts

TG 688 Alarm Tech

TG 976 Fire 116

TG 1120 Unknown user/usage

TG 1136 Fire Tac 1

TG 1200 Fire Training

TG 1296 KSC Medical-117

TG 1616 Safety-105

TG 1648 Orbiter Safety-110

TG 1680 Safety-205

TG 1760 Safety B Net

TG 1936 KSC Security 103

TG 1952 CCAFS Security 203

TG 2016 Security Escort

TG 2112 Security Tac 1

TG 2128 Security Tac 2

TG 2208 Unknown user/usage

TG 2896 Convoy Commander Net

TG 2928 Purge Net

TG 2960 Cooling Net

TG 5136 Unknown user/usage

TG 5392 Environmental Health

TG 5776 Maintenance

TG 6736 Photo / Timing

TG 7056 Unknown user/usage

TG 7760 Unknown user/usage

TG 7792 Unknown user/usage

TG 9936 PAO-108

TG 9952 PAO-1

TG 11600 NASA Tower

TG 12176 Unknown user/usage

TG 12192 Unknown user/usage

TG 12496 Support-104

TG 13136 Transportation-206

TG 13776 KSC TV Ops

TG 14096 Utilities-101

TG 14256 Utility-301

TG 18144 Unknown user/usage

TG 18256 FCA

TG 18272 Unknown user/usage

TG 20208 Unknown user/usage

As always your reports are appreciated and welcomed for this and future missions. Email address is in the masthead.

KSC Launch Ops Scanner Audio Feed Up

For those of you who want to follow KSC pre-shuttle launch ground activity can monitor the streaming audio scanner feed at http://kscops.com/.

STS-116 to launch USNA/DARPA satellites

Pretty much overshadowed by the main mission to the ISS, STS-116 will launch two U.S. Naval Academy Student Project satellites after undocking from the ISS. These satellites are called ANDE (Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment) and RAFT (Radar Fence Transponder). I have profiled the RAFT previously on this blog.

The NRL science mission of ANDE is to measure the density of the upper atmosphere by precise tracking of the orbit decay by the Maui Laser Ranging Tracking Station. The Comm system provides important telemetry on the attitude and temperature of the spacecraft. The ANDE and RAFT satellites will carry amateur radio communications payloads (see frequencies below), but RAFT has something a bit extra.

RAFT carries a 216.980 MHz receiver/transmitter to demonstrate self-location techniques when it flies through the Space Surveillance Network radar fence across the southern USA. When this experiment is activated, users will hear a 1 second ping when it flies through the fence. This is an excellent way to see how sensitive your radio installation is.

















Amateur Payloads:

ANDE Side A: 145.825 MHz Digipeater up/downlink 1200 baud packet

ANDE Side B: 145.825 MHz downlink (backup to side A only)

RAFT System: 145.825 MHz Digipeater up/downlink 1200 baud packet

RAFT PSK-31: 28.120 MHz HF PSK-31 uplink -downlink on 145.825 MHz

You can get more information on these satellites at the following links:

ANDE/RAFT Space Operations

ANDE (MAA) - Telemetry/Command and Comms

RAFT Satellite Project

The MARScom satellite is suppose to launch with this mission, but nothing hs been mentioned in any of the official STS-116 paperwork about that Cubesat. While its mission fate is unknown as of this writing, according to a 13 October 2006 Chief of NAVMARCORPSMARS message
the satellite is at KSC and ready for launch.

You can view my complete description of the RAFT and MARScom payloads at
MEMS-Based PICOSAT Inspector (MEPSI)

http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/station/STP-H2-MEPSI.html

Snowbirds release 2007 show schedule

The Canadian Snowbird flight demonstration team has released their 2007 show schedule. They will attend six airshows in the U.S. this next year.

May
19-20 TBC To be confirmed
23 Penticton BC / Penticton Air Show
26-27 Brandon MB / Brandon Air Show

June
02-03 Portage-la-Prairie MB / Portage-la-Prairie Air Show
06 Kapuskasing ON / Kapuskasing Air Show
09-10 Bagotville PQ / Bagotville Air Show
13 Dalhousie NB / Dalhousie Air Show
16-17 Moncton NB / Moncton Air Show
20 Owen Sound ON / Owen Sound Air Show
23-24 St. Thomas ON / St. Thomas Air Show
27 Kingston ON / Kingston Air Show
30 Cobourg ON / Cobourg Air Show

July
01 Ottawa ON / Ottawa Canada Day Flypast
04 Evansville IN / Evansville Air Show
06 Calgary AB / Calgary Stampede Flypast
07 15 Moose Jaw SK / Moose Jaw 15 Wing
18 The Pas MB / The Pas Air Show
21 Fort McMurray AB / Fort McMurray Air Show
22 Edmonton AB / Edmonton Grand Prix Flypast
25 Fort St. John BC / Fort St. John Air Show
28-29 Peace River AB / Peace River Air Show

August
01 Prince George BC / Prince George Air Show
04-05 Lethbridge AB / Lethbridge Air Show
10-12 Abbotsford BC /Abbotsford Air Show
15 Kelowna BC / Snowbirds Fly for CHILD, Kelowna
18-19 Saskatoon SK / Saskatoon Air Show
25-26 St. Catharines ON / St. Catharines Air Show
29 Candiac PQ / Candiac Air Show

September
01-03 Toronto ON / Toronto Canadian International Air Show
04 Toronto ON / Flypast of the Captain Michael VandenBos School
08-09 Halifax NS / Halifax Air Show
14-16 Reno NV / Reno Air Races
19 Tucumcari NM /Tucumcari Air Show
22-23 Millington TN / Millington Air Show
26 Fayetteville AR / Fayetteville Air Show
29-30 Salinas CA / Salinas Air Show

October
06-07 Houston TX / Houston Air Show
12 Moose Jaw SK / Year End Show

Russians Preparing to Launch a Military Satellite

Following extracts taken from articles on Russian MOD website, dated 30 November 2006. Translated by Old Crow and submitted to MT's Milcom Blog for information and interest.

Preparations continue for the launch of a Soyuz-2 rocket which will carry a device belonging to the Russian Ministry of Defence. The preparations are being carried out at the Plesetsk Space Centre in accordance with confirmed plans for a second series of flight tests. Yesterday, space centre teams completed the fuelling of the orbital vehicle "Fregat". It will be taken to the assembly-testing complex at square 43 where "Soyuz-2" and related equipment is undergoing tests. Preparatory tests for the launching of "Soyuz-2" and "Fregat" were carried out during November, in the course of which all operations concerned with pre-launch conditions were carried out.. except for the fuelling and "Commit to Launch" commanding. At the same time, the ground-based equipment at the launch site, the fuelling lines, the telemetry sensors and transmitters and the computer/mathematics support were all checked to be in working order. Today, at the technical site (square 141), teams from the space centre headed by Colonel Aleksandr Shevkunov, have begun work on a "Kosmos-3M" rocket. Their first day's work was to unload the rocket and to assemble the nose fairing. The launch of both rockets is planned for some time in December.

A Special Offer for MT Blog Readers

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This special offer is for first-time subscribers and renewals. This offer is available for a limited time only (must be used by the close of business December 31, 2006) and can only be used one time per customer.

And MT Express makes a great holiday gift at US$14.95 for a one year subscription.

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Blue Angels Release 2007 Show Schedule

NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced their schedule for the 2007 show season.

Following winter training, the team will begin its 61st season at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., March 10, 2007. It will conclude Nov. 10 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.

The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 66 demonstrations at 35 air show sites throughout the United States, as they celebrate 20 years of flying the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.

Demonstration sites are selected in support of the objectives of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense. Public performances greatly assist Navy and Marine Corps recruiting and retention goals, enhance esprit de corps among uniformed men and women, and demonstrate the professional skills and capabilities of the armed forces to bolster pride in the American public.

“The Blue Angels are fired up and ready for a safe and exhilarating show season,” said Cmdr. Kevin Mannix, Blue Angels flight leader and commanding officer. “While we wanted to perform at every air show site, we have a limited number of available performance dates each season. Every venue that requested to host the Blue Angels received the Navy’s utmost consideration.”

The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform at the following locations in 2007.

March
10 NAF El Centro CA
17-18 Davis Monthan AFB AZ
24 Tyndall AFB FL
31 MacDill AFB FL

April
01 MacDill AFB, FL
14-15 NAS Corpus Christi TX
21-22 MCAS Beaufort SC
28-29 Vidalia GA

May
05-06 Offutt AFB NE
12 Seymour Johnson AFB NC
19-20 La Crosse WI
23 U.S. Naval Academy MD
26-27 Millville NJ

June
02-03 Rockford IL
09-10 Tinker AFB OK
16-17 Fargo ND
23-24 North Kingstown RI
30 Battle Creek MI

July
01 Battle Creek MI
07-08 Ypsilanti MI
14-15 McConnell AFB KS
21 Pensacola Beach FL
28-29 Bozeman MT

August
04-05 Seattle WA
11-12 Hillsboro OR
25-26 Indianapolis IN

September
01-03 St. Louis MO
08-09 NAS Oceana VA
15-16 NAS Brunswick ME
22-23 Millington TN
29-30 Salinas CA

October
06-07 San Francisco CA
13-14 MCAS Kaneohe Bay HI
20-21 Fort Worth TX
27-28 Muskogee OK

November
03-04 Jacksonville Beach FL
09-10 NAS Pensacola FL

Although these dates have been approved, they are subject to change. For the most updated schedule information, log on to the team’s official Web site at http://www.blueangels.navy.mil.

Thunderbirds release 2007 show schedule

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFPN) -- The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," has announced its 2007 air show schedule.

The team is scheduled to perform more than 68 shows in 21 states and nine European countries.

The 2007 schedule is as follows:

March
24-25 Luke AFB AZ
31 Point Mugu NB Ventura County CA

April
01 Point Mugu NB Ventura County CA
14-15 Eglin AFB FL
21-22 Barksdale AFB LA
28-29 Langley AFB VA

May
05-06 Fort Lauderdale FL
12-13 McGuire AFB NJ
19-20 Andrews AFB MD
26-27 Wantagh (Jones Beach) NY
30 U.S. Air Force Academy CO (By Invitation Only Show)

June
02-03 Davenport IA
09-10 Sacramento CA
16-17 Pittsburgh PA
23-24 Galway, Ireland
26 Krzesiny Air Base, Poland
28 Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania
30 Ankara, Turkey

July
01 Graf Ignatievo, Bulgaria
04 Aviano AB, Italy
07-08 Evreux Field, France
14-15 RAF Fairford, United Kingdom
25 Cheyenne WY
28-29 Dayton OH

August
11-12 Niagara Falls NY
15 Atlantic City NJ
18-19 Chicago IL
25-26 Otis ANGB MA

September
01-03 Cleveland OH
08 Minot AFB ND
15 Hickam AFB HI
22-23 El Paso TX
29-30 Columbus OH

October
06-07 Pope AFB NC
13-14 Miramar MCAS CA
20-21 Moody AFB GA
27-28 New Orleans LA

November
03-04 NASA Cape Canaveral FL
10-11 Nellis AFB NV

"The entire team is excited to announce our schedule for 2007," said Lt. Col. Kevin Robbins, Thunderbird No. 1, commander and leader. "The Thunderbirds' motto is 'Ambassadors in Blue' ... in the truest sense of those words this year we'll be able to bring the message of every hard-working Airman to thousands of people around the world."

The second-year commander said his team is ready to take the Airman's story abroad.
"We are well aware this is a time of conflict for our nation, yet it is important to take the time to display the true nature of our armed forces, both to allies and foes," Colonel Robbins said. "We look forward to illustrating the dedication, commitment and humility our Airmen display in their jobs each day, both at home and overseas."

The Thunderbirds will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Air Force throughout their 2007 season.

"We are representing six decades of air dominance this year," Colonel Robbins said. "The Air Force and Thunderbirds of today uphold the pride and professionalism that millions of Airmen have displayed for 60 years."

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, four civilians and about 110 enlisted people performing in more than 29 Air Force specialties.

The 2007 team includes the world's first female jet demonstration pilot, Maj. Nicole Malachowski, Thunderbird No. 3, right wing, in her second year, and the Thunderbirds' first female solo pilot, Maj. Samantha Weeks, Thunderbird No. 6, opposing solo, in her first season with the team.

The remaining pilots for the 2007 season include: Maj. Chris Austin, Thunderbird No. 2, left wing; Maj. Scott Poteet, Thunderbird No. 4, slot; and Maj. Ed Casey, Thunderbird No. 5, lead solo.

Rounding out the list of officers are: Maj. Rob Skelton, Thunderbird No. 7, operations officer; Maj. Tad Clark, Thunderbird No. 8, advance pilot/narrator; Maj. (Dr.) Dan Mirski, Thunderbird No. 9, flight surgeon; Capt. Amy Glisson, Thunderbird No. 10, executive officer; Capt. Charles Ploetz, Thunderbird No. 11, maintenance officer; and Capt. Elizabeth Kreft, Thunderbird No. 12, public affairs officer.

A Thunderbirds' aerial demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The pilots perform approximately 40 maneuvers in a demonstration. The entire show, including ground and air, runs about one hour. The air show season lasts from March to November, with the winter months used to train new members.

New NASA Frequency List Online

This afternoon we posted a new edition of our Monitoring NASA and Space Communications list on the Monitoring Times website. This new edition, posted just in time for the STS-116 launch on Thursday, is 40 pages and now includes a NASA aircraft list and a comprehensive NASA callsign list. Of course, the Adobe PDF file is free of charge and is provided as a service to the radio hobby community.

Large Wallops launch set for Monday

Frequencies for Wallops at end of list.

The Air Force Research Laboratory's TacSat-2 satellite is scheduled for launch Dec. 11, 2006, from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. The U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center's Space Development and Test Wing has overall management of the mission. The satellite will be launched on an Air Force four-stage Minotaur I space launch vehicle contracted through Orbital Sciences Corporation's Launch Systems Group. The mission will be conducted from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport launch pad on the south end of Wallops Island.

TacSat-2 will be launched on board a Minotaur I rocket, integrated by Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC). The Minotaur I is a four-stage vehicle, two stages being refurbished Minuteman II stages and the other two stages being OSC stages. The Minotaur is 69 feet tall and 5 feet wide.

The main payload is the TacSat-2 satellite which will exhibit tenets of responsive space concepts.

The secondary payload is the GeneSat-1, which was developed by the NASA Ames Research Center. GeneSat-1 is a fully automated, miniature spaceflight system that will provide life support for small living things. The mission will look for genetic changes in bacteria (E.Coli) during spaceflight. The E.Coli on board is E.Coli K-12, which cannot live within humans. The knowledge obtained from the GeneSat-1 experiment may contribute to safe, long-duration space missions by humans.

The TacSat-2 satellite carries on board a new technology instrument sponsored by the NASA New Millennium Program which develops and validates in space advanced technologies. The instrument, called the Inertial Stellar Compass (ISC), is part of the Space Technology 6 project. The ISC was developed by Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The ISC is a miniature star camera and MEMS gyro suite which will allow future small spacecraft autonomously find its orientation in space.

There are several ways to follow the countdown on launch day:
760 AM: The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Radio Station. (Note: This station only airs approximately 5-10 miles from the NASA Visitor Center.)

The Wallops Flight Facility website (http://www.wff.nasa.gov/index.html) will provide a running status of the launch countdown.

Local radio stations (103.3 WESR, 99.3 WVES, 99.9 WWFG, and 96.5 WCTG) will provide launch updates.

From our NASA Frequency and Callsign List (Note to our readers: A new expanded edition of our Monitoring NASA and Space Communications publication will be posted and available for download later today on the Monitoring Times website).

Wallops Island Flight Facility
Air-to-Ground Net 264.550 310.650 326.300 382.600
Approach/Departure Control 127.950 314.000 [Patuxent River Approach//Departure Services] 132.550 134.100 353.600 [Washington ARTCC]
ASOS Weather System 119.175
Clearance Delivery 121.700
Coordination Net 139.4750 140.2750
Distress, Safety and Calling (Marine) 156.8000
Earth Station Operations 166.0500
Facility Maintenance 171.3875
Flight Test Support 122.850 123.150 123.175 123.200 123.225 123.250 123.300 123.375 123.450 123.550
Instrumentation Net 149.1500 149.3250
Medical Net 171.0000
Miscellaneous Net 236.450 256.550
NASA Aircraft Operations 311.200
NASA Range Surveillance Aircraft/Mission Net 121.950 123.400
Paging System 170.4000
Security 170.3500
Test Range Operations 166.2250 171.1500 314.600
Test Range Safety 156.3000 156.6000 156.6250 156.7000 164.7000
Tower 126.500 394.300
Transportation Dispatch 46.7300
Unicom 122.800

TacSat-2 RF communications: CDL (Common Data Link) technology is being implemented (X-band downlink and uplink). AFRL is providing the first year of on-orbit operations. The most important contribution of TacSat-2 is the use of a space-based CDL. Flying a CDL transponder requires ground-breaking work in frequency allocations and communications security (COMSEC) approaches. Direct tasking and data dissemination are being implemented using the SIPRNet (Secret Internet Protocol Routing Network) capabilities, a classified network of DoD. The SIPRNet system objectives are to integrate all space assets into the forces so that the Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander can call up assets by deciding the payload capability required, i.e., the area of interest, the area for direct downlink, and the date the assets must be operational.

FCC Proposing Changes to US Aero Frequencies

Thanks to Chris Corley via the Milcom newsgroup, Jack NeSmith and several others who forwarded this link on the 10 October 2006 FCC Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making. This is part of the review of the Part 87 rules on the Aviation Radio Service.

http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2006/db1011/FCC-06-148A1.pdf

US Aero HF Frequencies (Revised 87.173 if 06-148 is finalized)

2850.0-3025.0 kHz MA, FAE International HF.
2851.0 kHz MA, FAE,FAT International HF;Flight Test.
2866.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF (Alaska).
2875.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
2878.0 kHz MA1, FAE Domestic HF; International HF.
2911.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
2956.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
3004.0 kHz MA, FAE,FAT International HF;Flight Test.
3019.0 kHz MA1, FAE Domestic HF; International HF.
3023.0 kHz MA1, FAR, FAC Search and rescue communications.
3281.0 kHz MA, FAS Lighter-than-air craft and aeronautical stations serving lighter-than-air craft.
3400.0-3500.0 kHz MA, FAE International HF.
3434.0 kHz MA1, FAE Domestic HF.
3443.0 kHz MA, FAT Flight Test.
3449.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
3470.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF; International HF.
4125.0 kHz MA Distress and safety with ships and coast stations.
4550.0 kHz AX Gulf of Mexico.
4645.0 kHz AX Alaska.
4650.0-4700.0 kHz MA, FAE International HF.
4672.0 kHz MA1, FAE Domestic HF.
4947.5 kHz AX Alaska.
5036.0 kHz AX Gulf of Mexico.
5122.5 kHz AX Alaska.
5167.5 kHz FA Alaska emergency.
5310.0 kHz AX Alaska.
5450.0-5680.0 kHz MA, FAE International HF.
5451.0 kHz MA, FAT Flight Test.
5463.0 kHz MA1, FAE Domestic HF.
5469.0 kHz MA, FAT Flight Test.
5472.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
5484.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
5490.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
5496.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
5508.0 kHz MA1, FAE Domestic HF.
5571.0 kHz MA, FAT Flight Test.
5631.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
5680.0 kHz MA1, FAC, FAR Search and rescue communications.
5887.5 kHz AX Alaska.
6525.0-6685.0 kHz MA, FAE International HF.
6550.0 kHz MA, FAT Flight Test.
6580.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
6604.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
8015.0 kHz AX Alaska.
8364.0 kHz MA Search and rescue communications.
8815.0-8965.0 kHz MA, FAE International HF.
8822.0 kHz MA, FAT Flight Test.
8855.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF; international HF.
8876.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
10005.0-10100.0 kHz MA, FAE International HF.
10045.0 kHz MA, FAT Flight Test.
10066.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF; international HF.
11275.0-11400.0 kHz MA, FAE International HF.
11288.0 kHz MA, FAT Flight Test.
11306.0 kHz MA, FAT Flight Test.
11357.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
11363.0 kHz MA, FAE Domestic HF.
13260.0-13360.0 kHz MA, FAE International HF.
13312.0 kHz MA, FAE,FAT International HF; Flight Test.
17900.0-17970.0 kHz MA, FAE International HF.
17964.0 kHz MA, FAT Flight Test.
21924.0-22000.0 kHz MA, FAE International HF.
21931.0 kHz MA, FAT Flight Test.

U.S. military frequency jams hundreds of garage doors

A MT Milcom Blog Exclusive

It is a headline that this writer is extremely familiar with. In the June 2004 issue of Monitoring Times, I wrote about the first 380-400 MHz DoD Land Mobile Radio (LMR) system at Eglin AFB, thanks to a "DoD jamming garage door opener" story that moved on the AP wire service. After several telephone calls to AF public affairs personnel, and an exclusive authorized interview with base communications personnel I not only uncovered the new system, but also the existence of the new 380-400 MHz DoD LMR band.

Similar wire stories have moved across the AP regarding trunk system interference associated with new systems at the Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna (DDSP) near New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and Fort Detrick, Maryland. In each case these new systems during their test phases caused interference to Part 15 garage door devices. Now that familiar headline has popped up in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Homeowners up in arms: U.S. military frequency jams hundreds of garage doors

New Air Force radio frequency jams garage door openers

And this last article from an individual who obviously doesn't understand the radio spectrum and communications, and has a political axe to grind.

Garage door openers go crazy over new military radio system

If this system follows along the same guidelines as those that have already been installed then scanner monitors in the Colorado Springs, and possibly Denver (Buckley ANGB) areas are getting one of these new 380-400 MHz multi-site trunk systems.

If you have access to one of the new P25 digital scanners, then start searching the 380-390 MHz spectrum using narrowband FM, 12.5-kHz spacing, and look for trunk control frequencies/P25 digital voice channels associated with the new system.

More than likely, in addition to the system installed on NORAD Cheyenne Mountain, you might also see new trunk sites at Peterson, Schriever, Fort Carson, the AF Academy and possible Buckley ANGB, if current trends hold. I expect a lot of new 380-390 MHz frequencies to be popping up in that area very soon.

And for those of you who do not take Monitoring Times magazine here is the scoop. First, some background from a 2005 GAO report http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06172r.pdf

"To address homeland defense needs and comply with government direction that agencies use the electromagnetic spectrum more efficiently, the Department of Defense (DOD) is deploying new Land Mobile Radios to military installations across the country. The new Land Mobile Radios operate in the same frequency range–380 Megahertz (MHz) to 399.9 MHz–as many unlicensed low-powered garage door openers, which have operated in this range for years. While DOD has been the authorized user of this spectrum range for several decades, their use of Land Mobile Radios between 380 MHz and 399.9 MHz is relatively new. With DOD’s deployment of the new radios and increased use of the 380 MHz-399.9 MHz range of spectrum, some users of garage door openers have experienced varying levels of inoperability that has been attributed to interference caused by the new radios. Nevertheless, because garage door openers operate as unlicensed devices, they must accept any interference from authorized spectrum users. This requirement stems from Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. Garage door openers and other unlicensed devices are often referred to as “Part 15 devices.” Congress requested that GAO review the potential spectrum interference caused by DOD’s recent deployment of Land Mobile Radios. Specifically, Congress asked us to (1) determine the extent of the problem of spectrum interference associated with the recent testing and use of mobile radios at military facilities in the United States, (2) review the efforts made by DOD during the development of its Land Mobile Radio system to identify and avoid spectrum interference, and (3) identify efforts to address the problem.

"Since DOD began its rollout of the new Land Mobile Radios in 2004, a number of complaints have been reported at several locations near military installations–notably, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna (DDSP) near New Cumberland, Pennsylvania; and Ft. Detrick, Maryland. As of August 2005, manufacturers had received over 1,300 customer complaints of affected garage door openers that they attributed to interference from Land Mobile Radios. One major manufacturer also estimated that its distributors had received between 7,000 and 10,000 complaints. However, the extent of interference experienced by users of garage door openers from DOD’s Land Mobile Radios is difficult to quantify because interference problems may not be reported or may be reported to several different organizations, including garage door opener manufacturers and retailers, government agencies, or congressional representatives. According to DOD and garage door opener manufacturers, the nature of the interference that has occurred varies by location. In some locations where the radios were rolled out, no occurrences of interference have been reported. Where interference has been reported, the problems range from intermittent inoperability to situations where the garage door may not open at all with the remote control device. DOD has reported a decrease of interference complaints. They attribute this decrease, in part, to consumer awareness of the problem and the completion of the Land Mobile Radio testing phase, at each site. In early 2005, following reports of interference, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Office of Spectrum Management and the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology established a working group with representatives from DOD and the major manufacturers of garage door openers to develop short- and long-term solutions to the spectrum interference problem. The group has met several times, and as a result, DOD and the manufacturers report that progress has been made in terms of coordination and information sharing. For example, DOD has provided the Land Mobile Radio rollout locations to manufacturers and the ranges of spectrum to be affected through fiscal year 2010. DOD has also conducted analyses showing the likely extent of potential interference from Land Mobile Radios in several populated areas where the radios will be deployed and has given the findings to major manufacturers. For their part, manufacturers are offering retrofit kits to change the frequencies of existing garage door openers that would cost consumers $50 to $80, excluding installation. Furthermore, for new devices, one manufacturer is moving off of the 390 MHz spectrum range, and another plans to go to a multi-frequency approach using 390 MHz and other spectrum in order to minimize potential interference problems in the future."

Now for the scanner listener nitty gritty.

First, its would appear that these trunk systems and new conventional frequencies are only being installed within CONUS and onboard US Navy ships.

Second, not all of the military aero frequencies will move out of this 380-400 MHz spectrum. This spectrum will become a patch work of aero (25-kHz spacing and AM), LMR (both trunk and conventional simplex, 12.5-kHz spacing and narrowband fm mode), and wideband modes (data and digital) services. At this point we have identified well over 60 percent of the known frequencies in this range as LMR (see the August 2006 Milcom column in MT for the complete list).

Third, for the most part you will find the repeater/trunk system outputs in the 380-390 MHz range, and the inputs 10 MHz higher (390-400 MHz). So to find activity in your area, start searching the 380-390 MHz using nfm and 12.5-kHz spacing. Conventional systems and simplex FM activity can pop up anywhere in the 380-400 MHz range except within established aero sub-bands.

Some familiar frequencies such as the US Coast Guard 381.7 and 381.8 MHz A/G frequencies have already transitioned to other frequencies in the 225-400 MHz spectrum. Others such as the nationwide USAF ACC Command Post 381.3 MHz will remain.

This has also resulted in a "major" overhaul in the 225-400 MHz spectrum. Things are shifting or are about to shift, and most of the "old" frequency standbys such as the Hunterdon Aero books, the Top Secret Registry, most nationwide frequency internet website lists, the Police Call mil freqs, and many, many other guidebooks, are getting very long in the tooth, or are no longer valid.

And these changes are definitely "NOT" over with. For instance, while there are still some Metro stations on 344.6 MHz, it is obvious based on recent events over the last two years that they are cleaning this frequency out and moving this function from the frequency. It is my opinion that they are creating some sort of new wideband mode sub band around this frequency based on recent monitoring. So, if your 344.600 MHz Metro function is still operating in your area, expect it to move soon.

We have also seen what appear to be a major consolidation of NORAD frequencies. It has been noted that previously IDed NORAD freqs seem to have disappeared from NORAD usage. As noted in an earlier article on this blog, SEADS closing its doors. It is not known at this point if that consolidation, the events of 9/11, or if this is also part of the general overhaul we are seeing in the 225-400 MHz band has caused NORAD to give away some freqs.

Bottom line: Be prepared to put those scanners in search modes, or slowly watch your milair listening go away. To be fair not, everything is changing. But enough is that each of you will surely notice, if you haven't already, activity disappearing in your local area in the 225-400 MHz band.

I urge each of you to watch your local scene very carefully over the next two to three years, and be sure to report to this blog or the Milcom newsgroup any changes you notice. With the loss of the US IFR Sup next October, this will become critial if we are to keep track of all the changes in our favorite frequency ranges, 225-400 MHz, the milair band.

BTW-As a side note to all this. The 225-400 MHz band is NOT the only band changing. Others federal bands are being overhauled as well under NTIA mandate. Here are the places and spacings to scan for new activity.

138.0-144.0 MHz 12.5-kHz spacing (major changes taking place here)
148.0-150.8 MHz 12.5-kHz spacing (major changes taking place here)
162.0-174.0 MHz 12.5-kHz spacing (new P25 activity and trunk systems popping up almost daily)
406.0-420.0 MHz 12.5-kHz spacing (new P25 activity and trunk system popping up almost daily)

Disclaimer: Any links that appear in this blog article do not represent the opinions or are they an endorsement by the blog author, Monitoring Times magazine, Grove Enterprises, or its employees. They are presented here strictly for informational purposes only.

Florida Milcom Blog Logs

Thanks to a regular MT Milcom contributor Jack NeSmith for contributing to the MT Milcom Blogspot some intercepts from his Florida location. Remember we want to hear from you and what regular frequencies you are monitoring at your Milcom monitoring post.

225.100 23d FW Pope AFB,NC Air to AIR
225.300 16th SOW Eglin AFB
225.350 Pinecastle Rng (R-2910) Targets
225.725 Robins AFB,GA. 116th ACW J-STARS
226.700 Tyndall AFB,Fl. Flight Operations
227.075 Eglin AFB,FL. W-470 Air to Air
228.900 "HUNTRESS" NORAD
231.750 Robins AFB,GA. 116th ACW J-STARS
234.600 Eglin AFB,FL. 33TFW Flight operations
234.925 Tyndall AFB,FL. GCI "HYDRA" Control
237.425 Exercise Discrete
238.800 NAS Key West,FL.
238.825 robins AFB,GA. 19th ARG Discrete
239.000 Orlando Exec Tower
239.350 Exercise Discrete
242.300 Unknown
251.250 125th FW Command Post/Maintenance
252.100 USAF Reserve Command Post
253.700 125th FW Discrete
254.200 "HUNTRESS" NORAD
254.250 RCAG Avon Park,FL. KZMA
254.275 Live Oak MOA KZJX
254.325 RCAG Lake City,FL KZJX
255.400 FSS FAA
257.150 Tyndall AFB,FL. Base Operations
257.250 Have Quick
257.500 125thFW Discrete
257.700 RCAG Avon Park,FL. KZMA
260.325 Exercise Discrete
261.000 Tyndall AFB,FL. W-151/470 Discrete
262.000 Tyndall AFB,Fl. Flight Operations
263.050 RCAG Jacksonville,FL. KZJX
264.625 Avon Park Range,FL. Bravo/Charlie
265.225 Unknown
265.400 "HUNTRESS" NORAD
267.500 FACSFAC Jacksonville,FL. "SEALORD"
267.850 Have Quick
268.425 Exercise Discrete
269.250 RCAG Orlando KZJX
269.300 RCAG Melbourne,FL. KZMA
269.325 Jacksonville IAP,FL. Approach/Departure
270.050 Eglin AFB,FL. Flight operations
271.400 NAS Jacksonville,FL. Sea Control Wing Atlantic Base
273.550 RCAG Daytona Beach,FL. KZJX
275.200 Flight Test
275.650 NAS Mayport,FL. Flight Operations
279.600 Tampa IAP,FL. Approach/Departure
279.750 Have Quick
279.950 USAF Air to Air
282.200 RCAG Jekyll Island,GA. KZJX
282.600 "HUNTRESS" NORAD
283.700 Macdill AFB,FL. Base TDY Aircraft Operations
283.850 Exercise Discrete
284.150 Have Quick
284.500 FACSFAC Jacksonville,FL. "SEALORD"
284.700 Orlando IAP,FL. Approach/Departure
285.500 RCAG Avon Park,FL. KZMA
285.650 RCAG Savannah,GA. KZJX
285.725 Avon Park Range South TAC
288.500 Tyndall AFB,FL. GCI "WHETSTONE" Control
289.050 Have Quick
289.200 Pinecastle Rng (R-2910) Range Control
289.275 MCAS Beaufort,SC VMFA(AW) 533
290.225 Unknown RCAG
292.100 Macdill AFB,FL. 6th ARW "THUNDER OPS"
292.200 Avon Park Range,FL. Range Control
292.700 "HUNTRESS" NORAD
293.100 Tyndall AFB,FL. W-470 Discrete
293.225 RCAG Vero Beach,FL. KZMA
293.550 AWACS/J-STARS
293.600 "HUNTRESS" NORAD
293.650 Exercise Discrete
299.300 MCAS Beaufort,SC VMFA(AW) 533
300.000 Barksdale AFB,LA. 2d BW Discrete
300.325 Eglin AFB,FL. Flight operations
300.425 USAF Unknown Used During Local CAP
301.000 USN
303.000 Airrefueling Common
304.875 Unknown
306.900 KZMA Arrival/Departure Atlantic Control
307.000 Orlando IAP,FL. Approach/Departure
307.250 RCAG St. Augustine,FL. KZJX
307.525 USN
308.625 Unknown
308.750 AWACS
309.425 Exercise Discrete
310.075 Exercise Discrete
310.825 Moody AFB,GA. GCA
311.000 Macdill AFB,FL. 6th ARW "Lighting OPS"
311.100 Unknown
311.300 Eglin AFB,FL. Flight operations
313.700 FACSFAC Jacksonville,FL. "SEALORD"
314.200 125th FW Discrete
314.300 Eglin AFB,FL 53d TES Discrete
314.450 Have Quick
315.900 Eglin AFB,FL. GCA
316.300 "HUNTRESS" NORAD
317.525 RCAG Lowell,FL. KZJX
317.600 RCAG Gainesville,FL. KZJX
317.700 Jacksonville IAP,FL. Tower
320.600 "HUNTRESS" NORAD
321.000 Macdill AFB,FL. 6th ARW "Lighting OPS"
322.300 Daytona Beach,FL. Approach/Departure
322.400 Jacksonville IAP,FL. Approach/Departure
322.475 RCAG Lake City,FL KZJX
324.800 NAS Jacksonville,FL. Flight Operations
324.850 USN
325.400 NAS Jacksonville,Fl. VS-22 "VIDAR" Discrete
327.100 RCAG Jacksonville,FL. KZJX
327.900 "HUNTRESS" NORAD
328.350 Exercise Discrete
338.250 Jacksonville IAP,FL. Approach/Departure
338.750 Eglin AFB,FL. Flight operations
339.700 FACSFAC Jacksonville,FL. "SEALORD" Discrete
339.925 Exercise Discrete
341.700 Orlando IAP,FL. Clearance Delivery
341.750 AWACS
342.100 Eglin AFB,FL. Command Post/ Mission Control
342.650 Exercise Discrete
343.000 125th FW Discrete
343.400 Tyndall AFB,FL. Range Control
345.000 USCG
346.250 RCAG St. Augustine,FL. KZJX
348.700 RCAG Melbourne,FL. KZMA
349.000 RCAG Avon Park,FL. KZMA
349.400 AMC ALCC
349.700 Tyndall AFB,Fl. Flight Operations
350.000 Exercise Discrete
350.025 Customs
350.975 Unknown
351.800 Jacksonville IAP,FL. Approach/Departure
352.000 RCAG Tallahassee,FL. KZJX
352.800 Tyndall AFB,Fl. Flight Operations
353.575 Tampa IAP,FL. Approach/Departure
357.000 FACSFAC Jacksonville "SEALORD
357.500 Tyndall AFB,Fl. Flight Operations
360.700 RCAG Tallahassee,FL. KZJX
360.800 RCAG Tallahassee,FL. KZJX
361.400 Tyndall AFB,FL. GCI "HYDRA" Control
364.200 "HUNTRESS" NORAD AICC
369.150 Eglin AFB,FL. 60th FS "CROW"
370.900 FAA
371.350 NAS Jacksonville,FL. VP-5 "FOX DEN"
372.200 Pilot to Dispatch
376.075 Customs
376.125 Robins AFB,GA. 116th ACW J-STARS
376.450 Eglin AFB,FL. Flight operations
377.100 RCAG Gainesville,FL. KZJX
379.400 Homestead ARB,FL. Flight Operations
379.950 Daytona Beach,FL. Approach/Departure
381.500 Daytona Beach,FL. Approach/Departure
381.600 RCAG Sarasota,FL. KZMA
385.500 Daytona Beach,FL. Approach/Departure
387.000 Daytona Beach,FL. Approach/Departure
388.950 AWACS
395.150 Robins AFB,GA. 116th ACW J-STARS

A Special Offer for MT Blog Readers

The good folks at Monitoring Times magazine are offering a special, limited time, discounted rate of US$14.95 on a one year MT Express subscription if you mention the BLOG page (Editor’s Page, Fed Files, Milcom, Monitoring Post, Shortwave, and Ute World) you are viewing right now. This is a great price on a great magazine and you get MT delivered electronically every month well before the print edition hits the streets.

This special offer is for first-time subscribers and renewals. This offer is available for a limited time only (must be used by the close of business December 31, 2006) and can only be used one time per customer.

And MT Express makes a great holiday gift at US$14.95 for a one year subscription.

What is Monitoring Times magazine?
MT is a full-spectrum monthly magazine for the radio listener, Monitoring Times covers scanning, shortwave, military and federal comms, and other radio topics from below 500 kHz to 900 MHz and above. Presented in an easy-to-understand style by an experienced writing staff, MT helps you get the most out of your time and your equipment with practical listening tips and frequencies.

What is MT Express?
MT Express is the same magazine as our printed version, but it is presented in Adobe Acrobat portable document file (pdf) format, including full color photography and active links to URLs and email addresses. It is the fastest and easiest way to get the information and frequencies you need on the radio hobby.You can see what is in current issue of MT, including sample pages on the MT current issue webpage.

So if you like what we do here on the MT Blog pages and you want even more, then pick up that telephone and call the MT order desk toll free at 1-800-438-8155 (Mon-Fri 9a-5p EDT/1400-2100 UTC) and get US$5.00 off the regular price of MT Express. And remember you have to mention the BLOG page you are viewing right now in order to get the MT Express Bloggers discount.

Refueling over Europe

11/30/2006 - A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, prepares to offload more than 60,000 pounds in fuel to an F-15 from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, England. The F-15 joined other U.S. Air Forces in Europe aircraft from Aviano Air Base, Italy, and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, to provide security for the NATO Riga Summit that took place Nov. 28-29 in Latvia where the heads of state and government from the 26 NATO member countries met. Also providing support from USAFE were the 32nd Air Operations Center, the 1st Combat Communications Squadron, and the 616th Air and Space Communications Squadron from Ramstein AB, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Teresa Pumphrey)

UK Aerial Refueling Frequencies
ARA 1 Anchor 264.125 264.925 352.100 6761.0
ARA 2 Anchor 264.125 264.925 352.100
ARA 3 Anchor 264.125 264.925 352.100
ARA 4 Anchor 264.125 264.925 352.100
ARA 5 Anchor 264.125 264.925 352.100
ARA 6 Anchor 264.125 264.925 352.100
ARA 7 Anchor 264.125 264.925 352.100 6761.0
ARA 8 Anchor 264.125 264.925 352.100
ARA 9 Anchor 264.125 264.925 352.100 (Only HC-130/HH-53)
ARA 10 Anchor East 264.125 264.925 352.100
ARA 10 Anchor West 264.125 264.925 352.100
ARA 11 Anchor 264.125 264.925 352.100 (KC-135/A-10)
ARA 12 Anchor 264.125 264.925 352.100 6761.0
ARA 13 264.125 264.925 352.100
ARA 14 264.125 264.925 352.100

Ramstein Aero Frequencies

The following frequencies are listed in the current DoD Ap-2 for Ramstein AB, Germany

121.775 Ground Control
124.275 ATIS
129.050 IFR Control
133.200 VFR Control
140.900 IFR Control
142.125 IFR Control
282.275 Radar Approach
284.325 ATIS
308.775 Ground Control
356.225 Radar Approach
360.550 IFR Control
363.800 Radar Approach
369.125 PTD
386.750 VFR Control
398.200 Radar Approach
399.475 Radar Approach

Polygone EWR Frequencies

For the folks in Germany:
Polygone Electronic Warfare Range (Callsign Commando)
Primary 277.275 MHz Secondary 279.925 MHz

Navy Names New Arleigh Burke- Class Guided-Missile Destroyer

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of the Navy has announced the naming of the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Wayne E. Meyer.

The name honors retired Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer, who managed the development of the Aegis AN/SPY-1 radar system. This system serves as the cornerstone of the Aegis combat system installed in Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers.

Wayne E. Meyer was born in Brunswick, Mo., April 21, 1926. In 1946 he graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelors in electrical engineering. He also holds a masters in astronautics and aeronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a bachelors in electrical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Meyer’s career began in 1943 as an apprentice seaman. In 1946 he was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was transferred to regular Navy in 1948. After several years at sea, he returned to school in 1951 and attended the Joint Guided Missile School, Fort Bliss, Texas, and the Naval Line School, Monterey, Calif., and eventually served as an instructor at Special Weapons School, Norfolk, Va.

Meyer returned to sea as executive officer on USS Strickland (DE 333), followed by service on the staff of commander, Destroyer Force Atlantic. He was then ordered to USS Galveston (CLG 3).

In 1963, Secretary of the Navy Fred Korth chose Meyer to lead a special task force for surface guided missiles. Meyer turned down a destroyer command to continue his work with missile, radar, and fire control systems. His experience laid the groundwork for the success of a prototype Aegis radar weapons control system in 1974. He later became director of Surface Warfare at Naval Sea Systems Command where he guided the development of the Aegis system.

Meyer was promoted to rear admiral in January 1975 and assumed duties as the founding project manager, Aegis shipbuilding, in July 1975. In September 1983, he was reassigned as deputy commander, weapons and combat systems, Naval Sea Systems Command.
The future USS Wayne E. Meyer will use the same combat system that Meyer helped to develop, the Aegis combat system and the SPY-lD, multifunction phased array radar. This advance radar weapons control system, in conjunction with the vertical launching system, an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk weapons capabilities continues the revolution at sea.

Additionally, the ship will be manned with a complement of highly trained Sailors providing the Navy with a dynamic multimission platform that can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups, ensuring USS Wayne E. Meyer will lead the Navy into the future.