Wake Island DXpedition 2013

[IK0ZCW]

Team Leader Lou N2TU and the Management Team of Joe W8GEX , Craig K9CT , and Joe AA4NN are proud to announce they are planning a Commemorative DXpedition to a rare DX entity. This DXpedition will be to Wake Atoll (KH9) in October 2013.

Joe and Craig were the co-leaders of the very successful DXpeditions to Swains Island NH8S in 2012, and Sint Maarten PJ7E in 2010. They were also team members of the Midway K4M DXpedition in 2009. AA4NN is a veteran of these as well as many other DXpeditions across the globe. Lou was also a member of the Swains NH8S team.

This operation is a Commemorative DXpedition in that it combines a DXpedition and a commemoration of an event. 98 civilian contractors working for Morrison- Knutsen, lost their lives on the atoll in October 1943. The group has been named the "Forgotten 98". Our operation, observing the 70th anniversary of their deaths, will be dedicated to keeping their memory alive and honoring their sacrifice.

Wake ranks number 15 in Club Log’s Most Wanted Entities. A highly experienced team of 12 operators is being formed. They plan to operate five stations over a 14 day period, 160 to 6 meters on all modes, using a callsign to be announced at a later date.

Team members include Lou N2TU , Craig K9CT , Joe AA4NN , Joe W8GEX , Jerry WB9Z , Tom ND2T , Mike K9NW , John K6MM , Hal W8HC , Carl K9CS , Dick W3OA , and Tom N4XP .

Wake Atoll’s access is extremely limited and the time frame is dictated by transportation issues. As such, official dates have not been set but will be announced as soon as possible. The team will gather in Honolulu and then travel to Wake. Official landing permission has been obtained.

Our website, http://www.wake2013.org, developed by team member John K6MM , will provide updates as they become available. Later, the group will also have an OQR S link on the website for easy QSLing.

We want to thank Elecraft, who will be supplying K3s and KPA500s for our use. Steppir will be supplying an assortment of versatile antennas, and we appreciate their help. This Commemorative Dxpedition would not happen without the outstanding support of these companies. Others will be added and shown on our website as planning progresses.

Thanks also to Joe AA4NN , who will be the QSL manager.