Winlink - In the world’s largest international military maritime exercise, 26 Amateur Radio operators from Hawaii volunteered, showcasing the indispensable value of Amateur Radio in emergency preparedness and response. -KH6ML

RIMPAC 2024: The Role of Amateur Radio in Supporting Hawaii Healthcare Groups with Emergency Communications
In the world’s largest international military maritime exercise, 26 Amateur Radio operators from Hawaii volunteered, showcasing the indispensable value of Amateur Radio in emergency preparedness and response. The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 brings together 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and over 25,000 personnel.

To see video highlights video of the exercise - https://youtu.be/X76WOs8AC9c

One exercise combined assets and expertise from hospitals, medical professionals, military sea and airlift operations, and Amateur Radio across Hawaii. This effort ensured a comprehensive approach to emergency management, enhancing overall effectiveness and response capability. Taking place in summer 2024 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and across Hawaii, it fostered cooperative relationships and vital disaster training.

HealthComm: The Backbone of Emergency Communications
HealthComm provides Amateur Radio communications to HealthCare Associations in Hawaii during emergencies and disasters. This ensures seamless communication across the state, from hospitals to medical facilities, through the expertise of Amateur Radio operators, proving crucial in both simulated and real emergencies.

Hawaii Healthcare Emergency Management (HHEM)
Central to HHEM's mission is the provision of alerts, warnings, notifications, and situational updates via the coalition communication and information system. This system includes Amateur Radio, understanding that traditional means may be down and volunteers can serve in times of need. Utilizing Winlink Radio Email, UHF/VHF radios, HF radios, DMR, public service radios, and satellite radios, Amateur Radio operators ensure a resilient communication network.

Advanced Communication Techniques
During RIMPAC 2024, the Incident Command System (ICS) and Winlink Radio Email facilitated check-ins from each hospital. Amateur Radio operators on Ford Island provided essential reports on patient numbers and severity, helping balance the load across medical facilities and ensuring efficient care.
Join HealthComm
If you are a licensed Amateur Radio operator interested in joining HealthComm, please contact
Jackson Tsujimura- KH6DQ [email protected] More volunteers are needed to support our mission of ensuring effective emergency communications across Hawaii.

Many of the volunteers participating in RIMPAC 2024 are also dedicated members of other vital emergency communication groups, such as ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service), RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service), and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). These committed individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise from their involvement in these organizations, further enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of emergency communications during the exercise. Their participation underscores the critical role that Amateur Radio plays in a wide range of emergency preparedness and response efforts, ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle disasters and emergencies with resilient and adaptable communication networks.

Mahalo to all who participated!