San Diego: Ham Radio Emergency Training Boosts Preparedness

• A San Diego ham radio emergency training event took place in La Mesa, California, on September 27, 2026, involving a dozen amateur radio operators.
• The training, led by Patrick Gooden, focused on preparing for emergencies like earthquakes and floods by ensuring communication when conventional systems fail.
• Participants practiced technical skills, including converting transceiver connectors and preparing a 50-watt Yaesu transceiver for a 50-mile theoretical range.
• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates ham radio use and licenses approximately 730,000 operators in the U.S.
• Enthusiasts are actively working to expand the ham community, preserving a critical skill set for emergency communication preparedness.

When conventional communication infrastructure fails, amateur radio operators aim to maintain vital links.

A recent San Diego ham radio emergency training event brought together a dozen amateur radio operators in La Mesa, California, on September 27, 2026. Despite intermittent rain and cloudy skies at Harry Griffen Regional Park, participants from the San Diego Amateur Radio Emergency Response group engaged in crucial technical exercises. Among them, David Kaplar and Grant Madden were observed converting the connectors of a 50-watt Yaesu transceiver to Anderson powerpole connectors, which are the standard for emergency operations. This hands-on work is vital for ensuring equipment readiness in critical situations.

The training also involved preparing a 50-watt Yaesu transceiver for deployment with a meter-long antenna affixed to Madden’s truck. This particular setup allows for theoretical signal transmission and reception across approximately 50 miles in all directions, though actual distances can fluctuate based on geographical factors. For instance, Mount Helix, situated about a mile to the south, represents the sole significant geological feature in the immediate vicinity capable of obstructing transmissions. Such practical exercises are fundamental for operators to understand the capabilities and limitations of their equipment in real-world scenarios.

The primary objective of these gatherings is to bolster emergency communication preparedness for worst-case scenarios, including earthquakes, fires, and floods. When conventional communication infrastructure fails, amateur radio operators aim to maintain vital links. Patrick Gooden, a 75-year-old retired Navy sonar technician from El Cajon and the group's leader, emphasized the importance of equipment familiarity. He noted that having fun with the radios helps individuals become accustomed to using them under pressure, preventing panic during an actual emergency.

Gooden further explained that this training enables operators to efficiently pass emergency traffic to the next unit or communication site. The curriculum focuses on basic setup and programming of radios, ensuring proficiency. He delved into technical concepts such as kilohertz offsets, the velocity factor of electrons, and atmospheric interference, underscoring the need for a thorough understanding of radio physics. Gooden's critical advice to participants was to always ensure their gear is in working order, stating, "If you don’t check it, it’s going to fail," and urging them to "Test all of your gear before you leave home."

The use of ham radio is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which is responsible for issuing licenses to operators. Currently, the United States boasts approximately 730,000 licensed amateur radio enthusiasts, according to FCC data. The origins of ham radio date back over a century, with pioneers like Guglielmo Marconi, who first transmitted radio pulses across his estate in 1895 and later sent the Morse code letter "S" across the Atlantic in 1901, laying the groundwork for this technology. The term "ham" itself, though its etymology is uncertain and possibly once derogatory, has been fully embraced by the community.

Enthusiasts like Patrick Gooden are actively working to expand the ranks of the ham community, recognizing the critical skill set it represents. David Kaplar, at 24, was notably the youngest participant at the recent training, having discovered ham radio as a teenager through the Skywarn extreme weather reporting service. Kaplar views the hobby as a way to engage physically with technology, remarking that for those interested in technology, "this is a perfect hobby because it encapsulates so much." This ongoing recruitment ensures the continuity of emergency communication preparedness through amateur radio emergency response California.

This article describes the general practice of amateur radio and its role in emergency preparedness, noting FCC licensing requirements. It does not present a new legal development, regulatory change, or compliance challenge requiring immediate action from legal or compliance professionals.

Source: Original reporting via Courthouse News Service