Coastal Amateur Radio Society takes to the airwaves for ARRL Field Day

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Coastal Amateur Radio Society is participating in a worldwide field day to contact ham radio users.

ARRL Field Day is the single most popular on-the-air amateur radio event held annually in the US and Canada. On the fourth weekend of June of each year, thousands of radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups or simply with friends to operate from remote locations.

According to organizers, More than 30,000 Ham Radio operators throughout North America will set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill and service to our communities and our nation.

Mike Hutson, president of the radio club, said the event highlights the value of amateur radio during emergencies.

“The biggest thing I like is being able to come out here, out away from your own home and set up in the middle of nowhere and run off battery power, emergency power,” Hutson said. “Like if there was any kind of disaster that happened, we could run it. Any kind of hurricane or anything like that comes through, takes down any cellphone towers, we can run out here no internet, no cellphones.”

The event began Saturday, June 27, and runs through 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28.

The local club is set up at the Savannah-Hilton Head Regional Airport Rec Building on Crossroads Parkway. The public is welcome to stop by.

Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in ham radio.