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Amateur radio operators in the U.S. Virgin Islands and across North America will be gathering on the weekend of June 25-26 for the annual 2022 American Radio Relay League Field Day emergency readiness exercise.
Radio amateurs (aka “hams”) literally head to the field and install portable antennae and operate on emergency power to test their equipment and practice their readiness abilities. The event also demonstrates ham radio’s science, skill and service to the Virgin Islands and the nation.
It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach and technical skills all in a single event.
There are about 300 amateur radio licensees in the U.S. Virgin Islands and more than 760,000 in the USA. Field Day is an annual event sponsored by American Relay Radio League, which is the national association for Amateur Radio. The ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) program and ham volunteers provide emergency communications during times of need — all for free.
“When disaster strikes, ham radio operators are often the first to provide critical information and communications,” said Fred Kleber, ARRL V.I. Section manager.
On St. Croix, the St. Croix Amateur Radio Club will partner with VITEMA to operate from Cane Bay. Field Day is known as amateur radio’s open house. Media organizations are invited to come out between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Saturday, June 25, to cover the event.
VITEMA will have their emergency response vehicle on-site, and V.I. radio amateurs will be demonstrating the capabilities they can provide to the community.
On St. Thomas, you can learn about ham radio and participate in live radio demonstrations with the St. Thomas Amateur Radio Club, which will be located on the waterfront across from the Federal Court Building starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 25.
Additional information is available at:
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