USS Nautilus Special Event Station

Don Keith's 'The Ice Diaries' tells the story of USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear vessel, and its historic trip to the North Pole in August 1958.

Keith co-wrote it with the late Captain William R. Anderson who was the submarine’s skipper for that history-changing mission. It will be released in July 2008 by Thomas Nelson.

And to celebrate its publication, and the 50th anniversary of the Nautilus reaching the North Pole, N4KC will take to the ham radio airways the weekend of August 2 and 3rd.

In a co-operative venture with the Southern New England Region of the Navy and Marine Corps Military Affiliate Radio System and the Submarine Base Amateur Radio Club stations, Don will be operating from the grounds of Historic Ship Nautilus and the Submarine Force Museum and Library in Groton, Connecticut.

The on-air operation will use special events call sign N9N. This stands for “Nautilus 90 North,” and 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. Don hopes to work as many of you as he possibly can.

A Special commemorative QSLs will be sent to those who confirm contact and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Further information is on-line at www.n4kc.com.

Bruce Tennant, K6PZW
Amateur Radio Newsline