Stirling calls the world in historic radio event

From NavyDaily via ARNSW on facebook, original story here. Originally published on 06 October 2015, LEUT Gary McHugh (author), CPOIS David Connolly (photographer)

ND1 — Warrant Officer Communication and Information Systems Peter Stephenson from Defence Communications Station – Perth, located at HMAS Stirling, makes the opening address of the 48-hour HF radio event commemorating the Anzac Centenary. Warrant Officer Stephenson made the call using the special event callsign VK100ANZAC.

HMAS Stirling was recently the scene of a unique international HF radio event to commemorate the Anzac Centenary.

Event organiser and amateur radio enthusiast, Mr John McNamee, said the Wireless Institute of Australia had received Department of Veterans’ Affairs approval to use the callsign VK100ANZAC during the 48-hour event.

Mr McNamee said as well as commemorating 100 years since Australian troops landed at Gallipoli, the event also paid tribute to Operation JAYWICK, during which a group of Australian and British Z Special Unit members attacked Japanese shipping in occupied Singapore in 1943.

A spiderbeam HF array is set up on high ground at Gilbert Point on Garden Island for the HF radio event. During the event, amateur radio operators used the special event callsign VK100ANZAC to communicate with operators across the globe.

“Garden Island, where Stirling is located, was used as a training facility for Z Force, so we thought it was appropriate to locate the event here on the island on the 72nd anniversary of the operation,” he said.

“Many people who served and lost their lives in the various conflicts Australia has been involved in were amateur radio enthusiasts, and this is one way of honouring their sacrifices.”

During the 48-hour event, amateur radio operators made contact with operators all over the world and then logged those contacts in a commemorative radio log.

The HF radio station at Gilbert Point on Garden Island, Western Australia, for a 48-hour international HF radio event.

Stirling Commanding Officer Captain Angela Bond said she was honoured to host the event and paid tribute to those operators who went to war but never returned.

“Stirling has a significant history when it comes to communications, and we are proud to be part of this historic event,” she said.

Imagery is available on the Navy Image Library here.