The sponsors for the Wake Island K9W commemorative DXpedition that was derailed as a result of the partial government shutdown say they are continuing to work with the US Air Force to reschedule the operation.

“Once we have the new dates, we will post them here and through the normal Amateur Radio communication media,” the group announced October 22. “Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

The K9W postponement was attributed to a paperwork delay resulting from the October 1 partial government shutdown. Team member Craig Thompson, K9CT, told Bloomberg News early this month that all the paperwork was in place, except for final travel orders that needed one last Pentagon signature. The K9W team was to board a military flight to Wake Island October 4 but put its plans on hold after determining that it would not get final approval for the flight, which occurs every two weeks.

The US Air Force manages Wake Island, and access is restricted.