AUXComm

Amateur Radio has always been an important element in contingency planning at the State Emergency Operations center. WC5AAA was the original call sign for the "Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) station that operated at the Louisiana Department of Civil Defense.

 When the State EOC moved to Independence Blvd in 2002, they began operating with a new call sign, WB5LHS.  The AUXCOMM station is capable of operation on Amateur, State and Federal networks.  

amateur radio

During Level-1 (full scale) activations, several Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) repeaters are monitored by LA AUXCOM volunteers at GOHSEP providing a communication path between GOHSEP and Parish EOC in Regions 2 and 9.  To support Parish EOC to GOHSEP communication path statewide, LA AUXCOM volunteers will stand up High Frequency (HF) radio nets. 

LA AUXCOMM stations can move traffic by voice and various digital modes utilizing both Amateur Radio and SHARES frequencies. Digital modes include but are not limited to VARA Chat, FLDIGI, and Winlink. 


Antennas




shares

The SHAred RESources (SHARES) High Frequency (HF) Radio Program provides an alternative for users to communicate when normal communications are overloaded or unavailable.

This program provides the emergency response community with a interagency emergency message handling and frequency sharing system. SHARES promotes interoperability between HF radio systems and promotes awareness of applicable regulatory, procedural, and technical issues.



Antennas

FNARS

The State EOC is part of the FEMA National Radio System (FNARS), a nationwide High Frequency (HF) radio network.  This network operates at over 80 sites, including FEMA offices, state and territorial emergency operation centers (EOCs).   

FNARS allows real-time communication from disaster areas to support coordination and decision making.  The system supports voice, chat, phone patch, and email using a Rockwell Collins 1-KW URG-III HF station.  


winlink

Winlink is a worldwide radio messaging system that uses amateur-band radio frequencies and government frequencies.  It allows the operator to send emails via a VHF/UHF or HF radio network.   

WINLINK RMS- Installation of a radio gateway station later this year will provide automated messaging capability between radio units in the field and the Common Message Servers (CMS). 


Antennas

LWARN REPEATER NETWORK 

The primary purpose of the Livingston Wide Area Repeater Network (LWARN) is to provide a communication path between a PARISH EOC and GOHSEP in times of emergency. LWARN is open to routine radio traffic; however, the network may be restricted during emergency activations. 

These RF linked repeaters provide mobile and base coverage in Regions 2 & 9. Base stations in Regions 1, 3 and 4 may also be able to access the network with suitable antenna system. This network is sponsored and maintained by  Livingston Parish OHSEP. 

LINKED REPEATER NETWORK 

A Statewide Amateur Radio Repeater Network has been proposed to link local emergency operation centers with the State EOC. These repeaters will operate in the 440 MHz amateur band and will be linked using the JPS NXU controllers.  We have identified ten sites that should provide base station coverage to a majority of the state. 

Funding for the project has been approved and equipment is now on order. Construction is expected to begin in late 2023.      

FEMA Administrator, Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, spoke at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut during the ARRL Centennial Banquet Friday, July 18, 2014. 





"When Everything Else Fails. Amateur Radio often times is our last line of defense...When you need amateur radio, you really need them."  

Craig Fugate - Administrator - US Department of Homeland Security, FEMA  (2009-2017)