Photo By Darcy Jenne | Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport Emergency Management Officer Amy...... read more read more
Subscribe
Amateur radio, or “ham radio,” is an age-old technology that allows people to communicate over long distances without the need for modern-day telecommunications infrastructure. While it may seem old-fashioned today, it has advantages that digital communications systems lack.
Unlike those systems, amateur radio operates independently of centralized infrastructure, making it ideal for staying connected in situations where conventional networks go down, such as during natural disasters and other emergencies.
The Resilient Communications program at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport is tapping into the unique benefits of amateur radio to strengthen the command’s emergency communications capabilities. Its goal is to build a reliable, robust communications network that can serve as a backup when traditional systems fail.
According to Eric Seeley, NUWC Division, Keyport’s director of innovation, the program is about more than just amateur radio.
“It's not an amateur radio initiative per se, even though that's the technology it uses,” said Seeley. “It's a robust emergency communications capability that we have chosen because there are really no other options. If Keyport were to lose network connectivity, including cell phones and the computer network, there is no way to communicate with other organizations except using radio.”
The Resilient Communications program was launched in February 2024 in recognition of this vulnerability. The team behind it—which includes Seeley, Special Projects Manager Michael Newberry and Keyport Innovation Center Director Jacob Snow—had two primary goals: to build a reliable infrastructure for amateur radio communications, and to develop a network of licensed operators with the training and skills necessary to communicate using amateur radio frequencies.
Throughout the past year, the team has been working through the logistical and technical challenges involved in setting up the program. These include obtaining necessary licenses and equipment, setting up a station, testing communication capabilities and coverage across the command, engaging with nearby naval bases and other stakeholders, and encouraging employee participation.
The next priority is ensuring the station is operational and staffed with trained personnel. To that end, Newberry has been working to develop standard operating procedures for the station’s equipment, a qualification card for operators and a list of qualified operators who are able to use the equipment in the event of an emergency.
He has also been building connections with local ham radio clubs and emergency communications communities of interest at other Navy commands to expand the network of trained operators.
Growing the Pool of Operators
Snow has been working with Seeley and Newberry to develop a comprehensive training program that covers the basics of amateur radio operation, as well as more advanced topics such as antenna design and digital radio communication.
The program offers various types of assistance to those interested in obtaining amateur radio licenses, including weekly classes at the KIC, study materials, access to specialized equipment and personalized guidance from experienced operators.
"What we're trying to do is set up a scenario where people can practice these skills for emergencies, but also be able to use them in the event of necessary communications for whatever activity is happening,” said Snow.
According to Snow, the classes have been well received by employees, several of whom have passed the exam to obtain their Technician license, the entry-level certification that allows one to legally operate amateur radio equipment.
Those with a Technician license can communicate locally, nationally and even internationally using a range of frequencies and transmission modes. Many do so not only to provide a public service but also for personal enjoyment.
Beyond the Technician license, the Federal Communications Commission—which regulates amateur radio in the United States—offers two higher-level licenses: General and Extra. Each successive license requires a more difficult exam but provides more operating privileges and access to more frequencies, said Newberry.
For those new to amateur radio, Seeley recommends starting with a simpler alternative known as the GMRS license, which costs $35 and does not require a test. This license allows users to operate GMRS radios, which are similar to walkie-talkies but offer greater range and clearer communication than basic handheld models.
The latter, known as Family Radio Service radios, are less powerful and have a shorter range than GMRS radios, and are often used during outdoor activities like skiing, hiking and camping. They require no license to operate and can commonly be purchased at big-box retailers.
“My advice is, if you’re interested in getting that GMRS license, or even an FRS, just go buy some radios. Once you get comfortable with the GMRS radios, consider getting that Technician license.”
The Technician test is multiple-choice, available online and easier than many expect, he added.
“My theory is that once you go through the Technician license part, you'll realize that it really isn't as bad as you probably thought it was going to be—and the General and even the Extra class licenses are just more of the same,” said Seeley.
Another part of becoming a licensed amateur radio operator is receiving a call sign from the FCC. This unique identifier serves as an operator’s on-air identity, helping to regulate proper use of the airwaves and fostering a sense of community among radio operators.
“There are different types of call signs, but a fundamental rule of amateur radio is that operators cannot communicate anonymously,” Seeley explained. “The system is largely self-regulated, though the FCC does oversee it. To maintain accountability, operators must state their call sign at least every 10 minutes. Each call sign is unique. Anyone can look up a call sign online and find the operator’s name, address and other details.”
Call signs aren’t just for individuals—organizations can have them too. NUWC Division, Keyport has two: a tactical call sign, “Bigfoot Tracker,” which is registered with all Department of Defense enterprises, and a Military Auxiliary Radio Service call sign for regional communications.
Encouraged by Seeley, NUWC Division, Keyport Protocol Officer Kylie Schmuck obtained her GMRS license and found the process surprisingly simple.
She said that Seeley and the rest of the Resilient Communications team made the process easy by breaking down complex concepts in a way that make sense to someone without an engineering or amateur radio background.
"[Seeley] does a really good job of explaining things in a way my brain can understand," Schmuck said.
While she hasn’t yet had the chance to use her new skills in an emergency, Schmuck has enjoyed listening to different frequencies in her free time. She also said the amateur radio community at NUWC Division, Keyport has been "very, very welcoming."
This sense of community is a key aspect of amateur radio, and it's also a crucial factor in building a robust emergency communications network.
Redundant Communications
Another important factor in this regard is redundancy. As NUWC Division, Keyport Emergency Management Officer Amy Abbott noted, the command needs redundant communication systems to maintain operability during crises, and amateur radio is one such system with proven potential.
"Being able to pull out a radio when every cell tower and phone line is down makes a huge difference," Abbott said. "It gives us the redundancy we need to stay in contact with our host installation, which is responsible for taking care of its tenants."
Abbott pointed to past disasters, such as the 2018 Paradise Fire in California, which destroyed thousands of homes and severely disrupted communication networks, as reminders of the critical role ham radio can play when conventional networks are down.
"There was a big lesson learned from the Paradise Fire," Abbott said. "Since then, they've built in more protections, but in those kinds of scenarios—when cell towers are down—ham radio is what people can rely on to bridge the communication gap."
The lessons of the Paradise Fire are especially relevant in the Keyport region, given its susceptibility to natural disasters with great potential to disrupt communication networks.
"Natural disasters are one of our biggest vulnerabilities when it comes to losing critical communication," Abbott said. "Our top risks in this region are earthquakes, inclement weather, tsunamis and power outages—all of which can take down our usual communication networks."
Abbott encourages employees to get involved in ham radio, noting that having more trained operators could strengthen Keyport’s emergency communication capabilities.
She added that she has taken a personal interest in amateur radio and has begun researching the field, with plans to start studying for her license soon.
Building Partnerships
According to Newberry, the Resilient Communications program is gaining momentum, with several key milestones achieved in recent months. Thanks to its efforts, NUWC Division, Keyport now has operating capability in the HF, UHF and VHF spectrums, covering Military, Ham and GMRS. The team participates in monthly exercises with Commander, Navy Region Northwest on HF and VHF, honing their skills and testing the system's capabilities. Additionally, they are working with CNRNW and Kitsap County emergency communications personnel to develop a way for the Navy Region to communicate with the county over radio in the event of an emergency.
Newberry encourages those interested in learning about ham radio to reach out to the team for guidance on getting started.
“We will be happy to assist you in either studying for Ham exams, GMRS licensing or even building antennas which can be used with your radios to improve the reliability,” Newberry said. “We have an established [Microsoft] Teams site, which is a great way to get involved.”
For help choosing the right radio communication method for your needs, check out NUWC Division, Keyport's "Preppin' with Pete: Radio Communications" YouTube video.
-KPT-
Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport is headquartered in the state of Washington on the Puget Sound, about 10 miles west of Seattle. To provide ready support to Fleet operational forces at all major Navy homeports in the Pacific, NUWC Division, Keyport maintains detachments in San Diego, California and Honolulu, Hawaii, and remote operating sites in Guam; Japan; Hawthorne, Nevada; and Portsmouth, Virginia. At NUWC Division, Keyport, our diverse and highly skilled team of engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals and industrial craftsmen work tirelessly to develop, maintain and sustain undersea warfare superiority for the United States.
| Date Taken: | 02.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.06.2025 18:13 |
| Story ID: | 491465 |
| Location: | KEYPORT, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 185 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, NUWC Division, Keyport expands resilient communications capability, by Frank Kaminski, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
