From ARRL:
FEMA Interoperability Exercise Deemed a Success, Monthly Exercises Set for 2017
FEMA Interoperability Exercise Deemed a Success, Monthly Exercises Set for 2017
Laura Goudreau, KG7BQR, Regional Emergency Communications
Coordinator for FEMA Region X, said a December 21 Region X interoperability
communications exercise on 60 meters went well.
FEMA Region X, which consists of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, now has announced that it will hold similar exercises each month in 2017, with all radio amateurs welcome to participate.
FEMA Region X, which consists of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, now has announced that it will hold similar exercises each month in 2017, with all radio amateurs welcome to participate.
"We had 48 check-ins, of which 42 were amateurs,"
Goudreau said of the December event. "It was very successful and also
included our first digital test." The "COMMEX" event consisted of check-ins from
authorized state, tribal, federal, and Amateur Radio stations to test HF
interoperability in case of an emergency or disaster response. The
interoperability aspect between federal stations and Amateur Radio licensees was
coordinated and authorized by the NTIA and the FCC.
The net included a digital component,
intended as a one-way broadcast to test FEMA's ability to send messages and
for remote stations to receive them. Goudreau said that while there's still
room for improvement in the digital area, overall, she was happy with how
the exercise played out.
During 2017, FEMA Region X will
hold a communication exercise (COMMEX) on the third Wednesday of each
month, 1500-2100 UTC. The initial exercise will take place on January 18.
"The intent of [each] COMMEX is to test and exercise
interoperable communications (federal/state/local/tribal/amateur) during a major
disaster, where communications infrastructure would be significantly damaged
or destroyed," a FEMA Region X announcement said. FEMA Region X will use
the call sign WGY910. Others taking part in these exercises will include, but
are not limited to, other FEMA stations, SHARES stations, and Air Force
and Army MARS stations. All stations are encouraged to participate.
The COMMEX will use the five 60-meter channels: 5,330.5 kHz,
5,346.5 kHz, 5,357.0 kHz, 5,371.5 kHz, and 5,403.5 kHz. The area of operation
is the Continental US.-- Thanks to FEMA Region X Regional Emergency Communications Coordinator Laura Goudreau, KG7BQR, and FEMA Spectrum Manager Dave Adsit, KG4BIR
