The Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard are sponsoring the annual military / amateur radio communications tests in celebration of the 66th Anniversary of Armed Forces Day (AFD). The AFD Military / Amateur Cross band Communications Test will be conducted on 13 May 2017.

The Battleship Iowa Amateur Radio Association (BIARA — https://biara.org) and qualified Pacific Battleship Center crew members will activate NEPM on four assigned military frequencies. This will be the first time since 1990 that NEPM been active aboard the Iowa.

NEPM will transmit on the following assigned military frequencies on USB ONLY on:

4,043.5 KHz, 6,903.5 KHz, 14,463.5 KHz, 24,803.5 KHz

NEPM will listen on the following amateur frequencies on USB ONLY (note that 75/80 and 40 meters are not on lower side band as is the norm in these bands).

3,961 KHz or 3,943 KHz, 7,261.5 KHz or 7,243.5 KHz,

14,261 KHz or 14,343 KHz, 24,961 KHz or 24,943 KHz

Follow the NEPM operator’s instructions as to where he is listening in the event changes are required.

NEPM operations will begin at 1500Z and conclude at 2359Z.

NEPM operations will utilize both dedicated amateur radio transceivers and circa -1980’s US Navy legacy equipment. Note that an amateur transceiver requires one operator whereas the legacy gear needs four to five. Recognize this as NEPM tries to maintain a frequency while controlling a receiver on the main deck and a transmitter three decks below.

The annual celebration is a unique opportunity to test two way communications between Amateurs and military communicators as authorized in 47 CFR 97.111. All licensed amateur radio operators general and above are encouraged to participate.

These tests give Amateur Radio operators and Short Wave Listeners (SWL) an opportunity and a challenge to demonstrate their individual technical skills, and to receive recognition from the appropriate military radio station for their proven expertise. QSL cards will be automatically provided to those stations making contact with the military stations. There is no need for you to QSL us.