N5R: On-Air Special Event November-Five-Romeo

"Museum Update"

September 2, 2015

September 2, 2015, the United States observed the 70th anniversary of the formal surrender of the Empire of Japan, marking the end of World War II.  Many people know that the documents of surrender were signed aboard the battleship USS Missouri (BB 63), in Tokyo Bay.

What is lesser known is that there were other Allied Navy ships in Tokyo Bay to witness the surrender.  There were 255 Allied ships in Tokyo Bay including ten battleships, forty-eight destroyers, and twelve submarines. Of the U.S. ships present at the surrender, four are currently museumships: USS Missouri (BB 63), USS Iowa (BB 61), USS Cavalla (SS 244), and USS Razorback (SS 394).

John, Don, and Joseph in the submarine's radio room.

A small group of hams conducted an on-air special event to commemorate this anniversary of the surrender from on board the submarine Razorback on September 2, 2015, from 12:00 through 22:00.

The special event call sign was November-Five-Romeo (N5R).  

The group of hams set up their equipment in the submarine's radio room and broadcast from the submarine's whip wire and antenna.  Throughout the broadcast the radio operators, John and Don, were able to successful connect with 39 people.  Connections were made with 18 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

A special thanks to John and Don for coming to the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum and hosting the On-Air Special!  Also, thank you Joseph Mathis for working as the AIMM staff member coordinating this great event.

Author: Allison Hiblong