TSO Trains Amateur Radio Operators to Support Disaster Preparedness Pensacola TSO Jeff Smith trained 30 TSA volunteers to use emergency high frequency radio equipment during disasters. The 30 also qualified for amateur radio technician class operator licenses.
Employees participating in the May 9 training traveled from Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arizona and New York State.
"Pensacola is fortunate that we have a TSO who is a highly experienced amateur radio operator, trainer and examiner," said FSD Steve Earnest. "His volunteer efforts have given the agency tremendous in-house capability that would have been expensive for the agency to replicate using contractors."
The Federal Communications Commission requires licensing for HF – or ham – operators, who can be invaluable when telephone and cell phones are inoperable.
(Source: Dino Bloise, FL)