Atlantic Fleet Headquarters Area Amateur Radio Club

Military Recreation Station WA4ZUA

Navy-Marine Corps MARS Radio Station NNN0NHA

    This page is an evolving collection of historical information on the U.S. Navy's Amateur Radio and MARS station located at the Atlantic Fleet Headquarters Compound of Naval Base Norfolk, Virginia. The information presented is based on available documentation, and will be updated as additional information is submitted.

    The station had its beginnings in the early 1960's, with various levels of participation and operation since.  Operations have included both amateur radio and MARS, with a heavy emphasis of fleet support through phone patch services and digital messaging.  With a two meter 145.17 amateur repeater being put into operation in 1988, the station saw a large increase in activity and participation for a number of years.  The station has also participated in Armed Forces Communications Tests using the callsign NAM.

    In 1990, the station significantly upgraded its equipment, including HF, digital, and repeater  equipment.  This was accomplished just in time for the station to serve as a major gateway between personnel deployed for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and their families back home.  A pipe burst over the shack approximately 1999, causing major damage to the station's equipment.

    The 145.17 repeater began operation from a 50 foot telephone pole at the station, and later saw significant improvement when moved to the degaussing tower at Pier 12.  Eventually, the repeater found a new home on a microwave tower on the Headquarters Compound.  The repeater was fortunate to have been in a separate shack during the pipe burst, however, the microwave tower was torn down in 2000.  The 145.17 repeater currently uses borrowed equipment. 

   

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145.17 MHz WA4ZUA Repeater's Current Status:  Degraded (no CTCSS)

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For additional information please contact Dave K4DA via e-mail to k4da (at) hotmail.com. 

Last updated: 2 March 2024