[South Florida DX Association] Desecheo 2009

[Dave Novoa]

The following press releases were provided by Bob Allphin/K4UEE and Glenn 
Johnson/W0GJ.

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 January 6th, 2009
 Desecheo 2009 Press Release #3

 During the week of December 17-21, six members of the February 2009 
Desecheo DXpedition team met in Puerto Rico.  The team spent the first 
evening with local DXers and members of the Puerto Rico Amateur Radio 
League and enjoyed a wonderful dinner and a night of fellowship.  The 
hospitality was gracious and very much appreciated.

 The following day the team visited US Fish and Wildlife Headquarters in 
Boqueron and met with the Chief Refuge Manager and law enforcement 
personnel.  Later that day, the DXpedition team members underwent UXO 
(unexploded ordnance) training.  The following morning, Friday, Dec. 19th, 
they accompanied U.S. Fish & Wildlife law enforcement and UXO personnel to 
Desecheo.  The campsite and antenna fields were thoroughly swept for UXO and 
several areas were found suspicious.  These areas were clearly marked, 
mapped by GPS and declared off limits for the DXpedition.  USFWS will allow 
antennas on the ridge above the helicopter pad, thus providing a clear shot 
to EU, NA and JA.  Other antennas will be located on the beach below the 
helicopter pad. The only radio operation that was conducted was to test a 2m 
link to Puerto Rico.  After three hours on the Island, the team endured a 
rough passage back to the mainland.

Logistics and staging of equipment is ongoing and will be complete before 
the team arrives in Puerto Rico on Feb. 7th. The team will transit to 
Desecheo on Feb. 12 to begin the two-week operation. Eight HF stations  plus 
6 meters will be operational. An incredible array of antennas has been 
planned. Transportation and logistics have been arranged for a fast
deployment and quick appearance on the air.

 The Desecheo 2009 team wishes to thank our sponsors for their generous 
support. Special thanks go to North American and Japanese DX clubs and 
individual DXers.  Their support has been especially noteworthy.

 Fundraising continues..if you or your Club would like to help out, please 
go to www.kp5.us/help.htm.  While on the team website, click the "Pictures" 
menu button and check out the pictures taken on the recent reconnaissance 
trip to Desecheo.

 73,

 Co-leaders:
 Bob Allphin, K4UEE
Glenn Johnson, W0GJ
Thanks to the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin