Battleship IOWA Amateur Radio Association’s NI6BB will be on the air to celebrate the US Navy’s birthday on October 13 from 1600 to 2400UTC.

The naval force that is now the United States Navy was originally established on October 13, 1775 by the Continental Congress. This small naval force was faced with a powerful enemy-since the British Navy was the most formidable sea power of its time. Rather than going head-to-head against Britain’s warships, the Continental Navy collaborated with privateers to wage tactical raids against British supply vessels. After the Revolutionary war, Congress sold off the ships in the Continental navy. It wasn’t until 1794 that the U.S. government reassembled a naval fleet. Today, the U.S. Navy boasts thousands of ships and aircraft. The original birth date of the Navy is celebrated with a Birthday Ball and other events to show appreciate for active, reserve, and retired naval forces, as well as their families. There is a special order of ceremony for naval birthday celebrations including the salute to the flag, the national anthem, bell ringing, pronouncements, and a rousing rendition of “Anchors Aweigh.”

Operations will be primarily on 20 meters unless the bands behave better than lately. Check the DX cluster for spots. QSL per info on QRZ.com.