Welcome
NAS Whidbey Navy HF, MARS, SHARES, and Amateur Radio Club Station W7UMX
We Support NAS WI EOC with HF/VHF, MARS Region 10, SHARES US, and Amateur ARES/RACES
NAS Whidbey HF/Amateur Club/MARS Station Support
What is our Navy HF Station Function
Our primary function at NAS Whidbey HF/MARS station is to support the NAS Whidbey Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and report directly to the NAS Emergency Manager.
Our team operates the station using HF and VHF communications for the Navy EOC as well as provide training on HF and VHF communications for Navy Region Northwest EOCs.
What is Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS)?
MARS staffing is made up of Military personnel and non-military volunteers in support of department of defense radio communications. MARS Stations communicate every day via High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) radio in order to maintain a high level of readiness and proficiency in operating under all conditions.
Non-Military staff provide and support their stations at no cost to the government. In order to be considered for the MARS program, individuals must own or have access to High Frequency (HF) Radio Equipment.
The NAS Whidbey HF/MARS Station is funded primarily through donations from our team and others individuals who understand how important having a backup communications facility on Whidbey Island is to ensure we are there in the event of an emergency in the United States or just on Whidbey Island. In the event of almost any disaster associated with an Island, loss of phones, cellphones, and internet are emanate.
If you would like to contribute you can donate via our PayPal account, go to the "Help" page and click on the "Donations Keep us Going!" button.
What is a SHARES Station
We are part of the National Shared Resources (SHARES) program. SHARES supports all government agencies in providing communications when needed such as FEMA communications support for floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, Tsunamis and even to ensure communications during a National Election event.
NAS Whidbey HF/MARS Station is an active SHARES station and typically is a key station every week to ensure communications across America.
What is a Club Station
NAS Whidbey HF Station also has an Amateur Club station license. That allows the station to communicate directly with Amateur radio operators and specifically the ARES/RACES groups as well as FEMA during a local or national emergency. A different set of frequencies and members around the world can communicate with our station. Some of the weekly nets our station may participate in include, but not limited to:
- Alaska Emergency Net
- Washington Emergency Net
- Island County Emergency Net
- Maritime Net