WASHINGTON CO. HAM RADIO OPERATORS TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL EXERCISE JUNE 25, 26
Members of the Washington County Amateur Radio Club will participate next weekend in a national ham radio exercise.
The Field Day event, set for Saturday and Sunday, June 25th and 26th, is organized by the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) and is the largest all-volunteer radio communications exercise in the world.
Field Day provides an opportunity for amateur radio operators to set up temporary ham radio stations, test emergency communications equipment, and demonstrate their skills and service.
During Field Day 2021, more than 26,000 amateur radio operators participated from thousands of locations across North America. According to the ARRL, there are more than 750,000 amateur radio licensees in the United States, and an estimated 3 million worldwide.
Washington County Amateur Radio Club President Justin Pauler said amateur radio operators “have a long history of service to their communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communications infrastructure, including cell towers.” He said ham radio functions completely independent of day-to-day internet and phone systems, and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes.
Field Day is open to amateur radio operators and anyone who is interested in learning more about ham radio. Participants must pre-register by contacting the club on Facebook or through the club’s website, www.w5aum.org. License exams will be offered throughout the event.