Special Event to Commemorate Polar Transit Anniversary:

The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered vessel, is today a public museum, visited by more than 250,000 annually at its berth at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut. The ship (along with Old Ironsides in Boston) is one of only two vessels designated as “Historic Ships.” Now, amateur radio operators worldwide will be able to participate in the recognition of the ship’s most notable and historic accomplishment.

Amateur radio operator Don Keith, N4KC, is spearheading a special amateur radio on-air operating event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Nautilus reaching the North Pole on its first-ever run through the fabled Northwest Passage. In co-operation with the Southern New England Region of the Navy/Marine Corps Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) and the Submarine Base Amateur Radio Club (K1SSN), stations will be operating from the grounds of Historic Ship Nautilus and the Submarine Force Museum and Library in Groton during the weekend of August 2 and 3, 2008. Nautilus actually reached the North Pole at 11:15 PM EDST on August 3, 1958. Plans are for the event to continue until at least that time so one lucky amateur operator will have a QSO at the precise moment Nautilus “pierced the pole” fifty years before.

The on-air operation will use special events call sign N9N for “Nautilus 90 North,” recalling the historic radio message sent to President Eisenhower when the ship emerged from beneath the ice pack to announce the mission’s success. The North Pole is at 90 degrees north latitude.

Tentative operating frequencies will be 7.279 MHz on 40 meters and 14.243 and 14.343 MHz on 20 meters, depending on prior use and QRM, using SSB. Other bands, modes, and frequencies may also be activated depending on response and demand. MARS members have been issued a special invitation to come by and assist with the operation. Special commemorative QSLs will be sent to those who confirm contact and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

QSLs should be sent to:

Don Keith N4KC
40 Red Stick Road
Indian Springs Village, AL 35124

Event info is available at QRZ.com under N9N, http://www.n4kc.com/, or by emailing N4KC@bellsouth.net.

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