US Coast Guard Auxiliary seeks radio amateurs

November 3, 2004 -- CQ, CQ CQ! The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is looking for Amateur Radio operators or prospective amateur licensees. "Like every other emergency based service, the Coast Guard operates every day, in good weather and in bad," says Wayne Spivak, KC2NJV, of the USCG's National Public Affairs Department. "We, in the USCG Auxiliary operate whether there is power to operate the normal modes of communication, such as phones, or whether the weather is bad, and the normal means of communications are out of service." At times like these, the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary rely on the Auxiliary Net (AuxNet), a backup radio network, to maintain communication with both the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard. In areas where there is no regular Coast Guard presence, the Auxiliary may rely solely on its AuxNet for communication. In areas with a large USCG presence, the AuxNet operates in both a support and backup capacity. The USCG Auxiliary is seeking ham radio volunteers because amateurs "are good communicators," Spivak says, in particular because of skills they've developed both in everyday radio operation and participation during emergencies in RACES, ARES and SKYWARN. He suggests Amateur Radio and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary are an ideal fit. To find out more, visit the USCG Auxiliary Public Service Articles Web site. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is open to all US citizens over the age of 17. A security background check, paid for by the US Coast Guard, is required before an applicant is accepted. Visit the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Web site to start the process.

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