The Delaware House of Representatives recently passed House Resolution No. 13, recognizing the services provided by amateur radio operators to Delaware emergency response organizations and communities. 

Resolution 13, sponsored by Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, declared the week of June 16-23 as Amateur Radio Week in Delaware. In addition to highlighting the countless hours of community service provided by ham radio operators, the resolution referred to their emergency practice events called field days, which took place June 23-24.  

During field day weekend, amateur radio operators throughout the state gathered at several public locations to practice critical emergency communications skills.

In Sussex County, the field day venue was Redden Forest, and the event was part of the annual field day operation sponsored by the American Radio Relay League, the national association for amateur radio.

Starting June 23, ham operators around the country spent 24 hours operating from outdoor locations using portable radio stations powered by generators, batteries and solar panels. Field Day Chair Jamie Ashton said, "This annual practice session helps keep us prepared in the event our services are needed to provide emergency communications to support town, county or state requirements." 

Due to the flexible nature of amateur radio capabilities, operators used radio paths for both voice and computer communications, making over 400 contacts with stations located across the United States and Canada.  

For more information about amateur radio, contact Bill Duveneck, ARRL Delaware section manager, at kb3kyh@arrl.org.