Field Day is an annual amateur radio exercise, widely sponsored by IARU regions and member organizations, encouraging emergency communications preparedness among amateur radio operators. In the United States, it is typically the largest single emergency preparedness exercise in the country, with over 30,000 operators participating each year.

Since the first ARRL Field Day in 1933, radio amateurs throughout North America have practiced the rapid deployment of radio communications equipment in environments ranging from operations under tents in remote areas to operations inside Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs). Operations using emergency and alternative power sources are highly encouraged, since electricity and other public infrastructures are often among the first to fail during a natural disaster or severe weather.

To determine the effectiveness of the exercise and of each participant’s operations, there is an integrated contesting component, and many clubs also engage in concurrent leisure activities (camping out, cookouts, etc.). Operations typically last a continuous twenty-four hours, requiring scheduled relief operators to keep stations on the air. Additional contest points are awarded for experimenting with unusual modes, making contacts via satellite, and involving youth in the activity.

Field Day is held annually the fourth full weekend in June (June 26-27 in 2010). During the month of June, detour BLUES will be including PSAs during broadcasts in an effort to allow our listeners the opportunity to become aware of Amateur Radio and how to become involved!

The Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club, of which I am a member, uses an area on the Chicahominy River at the end of Brickyard Road off Old Forge Rd, near Toano, Virginia.   The club will once again venture out the ends of the earth for it’s Field Day exercise. This site is a favorite for the members as it has shelter, power, bathrooms and fewer creepy-crawly things to contend with. Chair-person, Dave W9NNK is the man to contact if you have anything to offer or need any information about this exciting event.

Thanks,

John – KJ4PQH