MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – This week, the city of Myrtle Beach and the state of South Carolina are recognizing ham radio operators during Amateur Radio Week.
When disasters strike causing communication lines to go down, emergency officials often look to amateur radio operators, or ham radio operators, to help keep communication going.
“It may seem like old school technology, and in some ways it is, but everything is vulnerable to hurricanes, so having a ham operator as a back up system in that sort of big crisis is a big help,” says Mark Kruea from the city of Myrtle Beach.
Kruea says the city and state have been recognizing ham operators for years to thank them for the work they do.
“People get caught up in the internet and everything, and they forget about us, but we’re still there; hopefully we’ll always be here,” says Gordon Mooneyhan, a ham radio operator.
Mooneyhan found his passion for amateur radio during Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
“I asked, ‘if I’m not gonna evacuate, what can I do to be useful?’ And I’d always had an interest, and so I said, ‘yeah, why not?'”
Ever since then, he has volunteered his time to help keep people safe.
“I’m preaching the gospel of ham radio, and I don’t mean that in a sacrilegious way; It’s just something I’m passionate about,” says Mooneyhan.
This Saturday, the ham radio operators of South Carolina are holding their Amateur Radio Field Day. They’re inviting the public to join them at noon at CCU’s science building to learn more about ham radio.
