- This event has passed.
U.S. Air Force Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) Special Event
November 5, 2023 @ 18:00 - November 11, 2023 @ 17:59
There will be a special event starting at 0001Z on November 5, 2023, and it will run through 2359Z on Veterans Day. The event will challenge amateur radio operators to contact as many of the ten Communications Wings as they can.
More than 700 MARS stations will be calling CQ in the Technician and General portion of the 160 – 6-meter bands using SSB, CW, and digital modes. Special event call signs will be W1A through W1K, and bonus stations call signs will be K4AF and KE6UEU. QSL cards will not be issued, but a certificate will be available for every contact. Additional information can found at the U.S. Air Force MARS website.
U.S. Air Force MARS provides contingency communications support on behalf of all personnel at the U.S. Department of Defense and other government branches to support national security missions whenever, however, and wherever assistance is required.
Air Force MARS Public Information Officer Kenneth Holloway, KA5KEN, said MARS operators have been providing a critical service for decades. “This event symbolizes our respect for the many operators who have worked hard for MARS for many decades,” said Holloway. He added that MARS now provides a worldwide 24/7/365 telephone service to US military aircraft via HF radio. More information is available at http://marsradioglobal.us/