[GCARC] Battleship New Jersey Amateur Radio Station

[Jerry Barnish]

As President of Battleship New Jersey Amateur Radio Station or
otherwise known as BNJARS, I would like to invite members of GCARC
to think about contributing to the organization. We are an ARRL affiliate.
BNJARS  was formed about 26 years ago by local amateurs.
Our mission is  supporting  the Battleship as a museum. We
maintain electronics and sponsor educational efforts such as the Scouts
with on the air contacts and licensing help. Operation and demonstration of
Amateur radio to the public is part of our efforts. We maintain several
areas depicting equipment used by the Navy during several deployments
including WWII,
Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. On display are equipment designed and
built by RCA .  Museum Ships Weekend is an  event sponsored by BNJARS and
is administered by a very dedicated Amateur . This runs for 48 hours each
June and remains popular with 100 + ships participating. Submitting logs
with evidence of 15 or more ships results with a certificate for  paper
chasers.
This month exciting news was announced by the Alliance that  funding for a
new visitors center was granted. A three story building will be erected on
site. This will include a revamped ship's store. A parking garage at
Wiggins Park Marina is planned. Monies for needed maintenance of the ship
will be funded.
To allay some fears of helping another organization due to time
constraints, membership requires four hours per quarter to maintain active
status.  There are no dues.
Saturday is our normal work day commencing around 0800 hours and lasting to
and including 1600 hours, closing time of the museum. Our Chief Engineer,
an active amateur and former Navy vet will take you in charge for
orientation and possible work assignments . No electronic experience is
needed. If you don't have a call, come also. If you desire membership, you
apply and an ID badge would be issued after a background check by the
Alliance is approved.
This edifice is a wonderful exhibit and should be maintained for the
enjoyment by the public and to honor all who have served.
Please contact me via email if you wish to visit. Four to five people on a
Saturday will be escorted aboard ship.
Stop at the security gate at Clinton Street and tell the guard you are a
guest of BNJARS. A member will meet you at the second security gate.
Operating and maintaining is all part of the goals of our group.
Thank you for considering.

Jerry K2EAB
President, BNJARS.