SATERN Monitors For Emergency Messages and Deploys Communications Trailer

NHQ SATERN (10/07/2016) – The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) continues to actively monitor its’ frequency of 14.265 MHz for any emergency communications coming from the Caribbean or the United States as Hurricane Matthew moves up the eastern coast of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.  The SATERN frequency will be monitored continuously until 7:00 PM (Eastern).  After 7:00 PM, SATERN operators will assist the Hurricane Watch Net on its night-time frequency of 7.268 MHz.  SATERN will continue to monitor these frequencies through Sunday, 09 October 2016.

Any licensed amateur radio operator, regardless of nationality, is welcome to participate on the SATERN frequency to assist in monitoring for, or to send or receive, emergency, priority or health and welfare messages out of the affected areas.

Although SATERN will be accepting emergency, priority and health and welfare messages out of the affected areas, it is not possible to send or deliver health and welfare inquiries into any of those areas including those in the United States.

The Salvation Army has also deployed the Southern Territory Satellite & Radio Communications Trailer to Florida.  IT Specialist Zach Purser and SATERN volunteer Ben Waltman, KE5JKD, have deployed with the trailer.

SATERN continues to coordinate its’ activities with amateur radio emergency communications partners including the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) and officials with the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).  SATERN is also coordinating its’ activities with the Salvation Army World Services Organization (SAWSO) and USA National Headquarters for The Salvation Army.

SATERN is an international group of amateur radio operators who support The Salvation Army with emergency communications.  It was founded in June of 1988 by Major Patrick E. McPherson, WW9E, who led the group for the majority of its 28 year history.  SATERN’s very first international activation was for Hurricane Gilbert (September, 1988) which also impacted many of the island nations now affected by Hurricane Matthew.  Maj. McPherson  was unexpectedly Promoted to Glory (passed away) in May of 2016.  He was posthumously awarded the Exceptional Service Award by National Headquarters in June of 2016 for his creation and sustained commitment to SATERN which grew from 4 members in 1988 to over 4,300 members today.

Amateur radio operators interested in working with The Salvation Army through the SATERN program can go to The Salvation Army national Emergency Disaster Services website at Disaster.SalvationArmyUSA.org and click on the VOLUNTEER tab and follow the instructions.  Amateur radio operators should be sure to check the SATERN box and enter their amateur radio call sign and operator license classification when prompted to do so.