Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
April 12, 2025
After Action Report
Gilchrist ARES SET 2025
1. GENERAL INFORMATION / INTRODUCTION
Report for 2025 SET, Gilchrist County Fl ARES NF4EC
April 12, 2025, 9 AM L to 12 PM L
2. SUMMARY
The following is information regarding the contingency itself:
• Deployed Location: Gilchrist County Operations Center Radio Room and adjacent Room.
Deployed Personnel:
Fred Lewis EC KO4YOL
Mike Shaffer AEC KD4INH
Amy Woods AEC WA4AMY
Larry Whited AB4NX
Maria Rivero KF4UEE
3. Check-ins
• SARnet Check-in achieved. Gainesville SARnet repeater is the only one we can reach happened to be working.
• Local Emergency nets conducted on both Bell and Chiefland Repeaters 3 Local participants (Note Alachua was having their Ham Fest / Tail Gate that morning)
• VIA HF no check-in was accomplished,
4. WINLINK MESSAGES
• All Traffic to State EOC was sent by HF to the State EOC. 6 to State EOC 2 each to Columbia EOC and Alachua EOC
• WELFARE TEST MESSAGES were sent from other room location. 5 total 1 received from local VHF net
5. Power Outage Scenario
• One of the injects had a loss of power. We switched to a large 2000-Watt backup.
• In the future we need to get a battery system that will power both the computers and radios.
6. HF Antenna Outage
• We have 2 HF Antennas.
• During outage we use the most important Communication tool (Winlink)
7. Injects from POD and Shelters
• This part of the Exercise was not completed because of Illness.
• Gilchrist ARES is only 5 members, so we have manpower deficiency.
• We will practice copying them to 213s at the next training session.
I feel the Exercise was a success. Lots of good leadership from my 2 AECs. Hopefully we will get our SHARES License. We are waiting on funding for equipment.
Fred Lewis EC Gilchrist County FL [email protected]
Gilchrist County ARES
Florida Simulated Emergency Test
2025 Action Plan Cyberstorm
Operational Period
Saturday, April 12th, 2025
0900L until 1200L
INCIDENT OBJECTIVES (ICS 202)
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1. Incident Name: Gilchrist
County ARES Fl. SET 2025 |
2. Operational Date From: 04/12/2025 Date
To: 04.12/2025 Period: Time From: 0900L Time
To: 1200L |
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3. Objective(s): 1. Activation: Practice
activating, checking-in, and staging operators. 2. Deployment:
Operators will be manning their assigned places and set
up radio communication. 3. Communication:
Operators will originate messages as in a real emergency. 4. Communication: Operators
not in EOC radio room handle Welfare Traffic. 5. Maintenance:
Test equipment and note any issues. |
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4. Operational Period Command Emphasis: 1. Operators should
communicate with area operators as if real Emergency 2. The county
should originate messages to three neighboring counties. 3. Send
at least 1 properly formatted ICS form either by voice or data to the State
EOC. 4. Send
at least 4 simulated health and welfare messages via voice or data. 5. Transmit
via voice or data at least 2 situational reports. 6. Complete
at least 3 successful voice or data communications with a partner or
neighboring agency 7. Ability
to communicate via alternate radio assets in case of damage to primary. |
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General
Situational Awareness . We will be working in a small room.
Please be courteous. Remember WE ARE
ALL STILL LEARNING! |
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5. Site Safety Plan Required? Yes ☐ No ☒ Approved Site
Safety Plan(s) Located at: ________________________________________ |
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6. Incident Action Plan (the items below are included in this Incident
Action Plan): ☑ ICS 202 ☑ ICS 205 Other Attachments: ☐ ICS 208 ☑ ICS 205a ☑ SET Plan___________ ☑ Band Plan |
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7. Prepared by: Name: Fred
Lewis Position/Title: Gilchrist EC Signature: _FOL____________ |
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8. Approved by Incident Commander: |
Name:
Signature:
______________________ Date/Time |
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ICS 202 |
Page 1 of 1 |
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Gilchrist County Amateur Radio Emergency Service Florida Simulated Emergency Test (SET) 2025 Overview
Scenario
Cyberstorm Tensions have continued to rise between the United States and nation states with adversarial relationships toward the U.S. In recent months, Florida has experienced an uptick in cyber-based probing attacks targeting key telecommunications infrastructure and essential services. While these intrusions have caused only minor disruptions to date, cybersecurity experts have warned that they could be reconnaissance efforts for a larger, coordinated assault. Weather Simulated severe thunderstorms will occur throughout the day during this exercise, with conditions favorable for the development of tornadoes. Participants should be prepared to address the impacts of these simulated weather conditions, including tornado touchdowns, as part of the scenario. Major Events on April
12, 2025, at approximately 0900 ET/0800 CT, an unexpected outbreak of severe thunderstorms begins to sweep across Florida, bringing intense lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds. As the storms intensify, multiple tornadoes rapidly form and touch down in various regions of the state, causing widespread destruction. These tornadoes result in significant damage to critical infrastructure, including power lines, cell towers, transportation networks, and residential areas. While emergency services scramble to respond to the storm-related destruction and the aftermath of the tornadoes, the situation escalates. Following the severe weather activity, Florida experiences a catastrophic cyberattack. Internet services statewide are abruptly disabled, and within minutes, the outages spread to cellular networks, disrupting traditional voice communications as well. The timing suggests a deliberate, coordinated assault designed to exploit the chaos caused by the severe weather and tornado outbreaks. Panic ensues as residents attempt to reach loved ones, contact emergency services, and secure supplies. Gridlocked roads develop around major urban centers as people rush to purchase fuel, food, and emergency goods. Banks become overwhelmed with customers attempting to withdraw cash, fearing the failure of digital payment systems. County and State Emergency Managers initiate Level 1 activation protocols, opening emergency shelters for displaced individuals and those without access to basic necessities. Amateur radio operators, SHARES, and AUXCOMM volunteers are mobilized to provide emergency communication support at shelters, hospitals, and Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) due to the widespread failure of traditional communications systems.
Citizens seek to send messages out of state are directed to these operators where capacity allows. The Governor declares a state of emergency, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) issues an urgent broadcast over amateur radio frequencies. They request situation reports from operators throughout Florida, utilizing both voice communication and the Winlink messaging system. Statewide communication nets are established to facilitate coordination between county EOCs and the State EOC. Due to the widespread communications impacts, Florida MARC units are directed to establish communications hubs regionally throughout the state. AUXCOMM volunteers are directed to assist State personnel in the setup and operations of these communications resources. They will relay communications as well work to establish communications with county and
State Emergency Operations Centers. Partner organizations such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offer support to FDEM, deploying specialized communication teams to assist with reestablishing critical links. Participants in Cyberstorm will face the dual challenge of responding to both natural and cyber-induced disasters, including tornado outbreaks and cyber-attacks. This exercise will test their ability to adapt, communicate, and coordinate effectively in a complex, rapidly evolving crisis.
Important: Be sure to preface any scenario-related messages with “Exercise, Exercise”.
INCIDENT RADIO COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
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1. Incident Name: Gilchrist
County ARES Fl. SET 2025 |
2. Date/Time Prepared: Date: 04/11/2025 Time: 0900L |
3. Operationa Date From: 04 Time From: 0 |
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4. Basic Radio Channel Use: |
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Zone Grp. |
Ch # |
Function |
Channel
Name/Trunked Radio
System Talkgroup |
Assignment |
RX Freq N or W |
RX Tone/ NAC |
TX Freq N or W |
TX Tone/ NAC |
Mode (A, D, or |
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1 |
TACTICAL Local
Radio 1–1, B Ant. |
W4DAK Chiefland |
All Hams |
147/390 W |
123.0 Hz |
147.990 W |
123.0 Hz |
A |
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2 |
TACTICAL Local
Radio 1-2 , B Ant. |
KO4YOL Bell
Repeater |
All
Hams |
147.285 W |
123.0 Hz |
147.885 W |
123.0 Hz |
A |
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3 |
TACTICAL State
Radio 2–1, T Ant. |
SARnet |
EOC |
444.925 W |
123.0 Hz |
449.925 W |
123.0 Hz |
A |
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4 |
TACTICAL Local
Radio 2–2, T Ant. |
Simplex Comms |
All Hams |
146.460 W |
none |
146.46 W |
none |
A |
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5 |
TACTICAL State
EOC |
HF Radio |
EOC |
7.197 W LSB |
none |
7.197 W LSB |
none |
A |
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6 |
TACTICAL State
EOC BU |
HF Radio |
EOC |
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5. Special Instructions: 1. All exercise communications will begin and end with the statement
“This is an exercise.” |
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Signature: FOL 6. Prepared by (Communications Unit Leader): Name: Fred Lewis |
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ICS 205 |
IAP Page 1 |
Date/Time |
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1. Incident Name: Gilchrist
County ARES Fl. SET 2025 |
2. Date/Time Prepared: Date: 04/11/2025 Time: 0900L |
3. Operational P Date From: 04/12 Time From: 09 |
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4. Basic Radio Channel Use: |
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(ICS 205)
INCIDENT RADIO COMMUNICATIONS PLAN (ICS 205)
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Zone Grp. |
Ch # |
Function |
Channel
Name/Trunked Radio System Talkgroup |
Assignment |
RX Freq N or W |
RX Tone/ NAC |
TX Freq N or W |
TX Tone/ NAC |
Mode (A, D, or M |
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Winlink
State EOC |
HF
Winlink |
EOC |
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Winlink
Welfare |
VHF
Winlink |
EOC,
(Tact Op Station) |
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5. Special Instructions: 1. All exercise
communications will begin and end with the statement “This is an exercise.” |
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Signature: FOL 6. Prepared by (Communications Unit Leader): Name: Fred Lewis KO4YOL EC |
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ICS 205 |
IAP Page 2 |
Date/Time |
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FLORIDA ARES BAND PLAN
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Channel |
Freq |
Offset |
Name |
Tone Mode |
Tone Freq |
Agency |
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State FL
Section 2 ARES Emergency Operating Frequencies |
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146.42 |
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simplex |
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Columbia County ARES |
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146.940 |
-.600 |
WA4ZFQ |
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123 |
CC Primary ARES Repeater |
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145.09 |
-.600 |
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none |
CC Resource Check-in |
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146.44 |
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Simplex |
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CC EOC Resource
Welfare |
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147.18 |
+.600 |
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none |
CC primary Command
Net |
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146.42 |
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Simplex |
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CC Secondary Command
Net |
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State FL Section
3 ARES Emergency Operating Frequencies |
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146.910 |
-.600 |
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123 |
Tertiary local VOICE
command net Gainesville |
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146.985 |
-.600 |
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123 |
Secondary local VOICE
command net Gainesville |
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146.820 |
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none |
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Gainesville Simplex |
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146.46 |
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none |
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Gilchrist Simplex |
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147.390 |
+.600 |
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pl |
123 |
Chiefland Repeater
Secondary |
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147.285 |
+600 |
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pl |
123 |
Bell Repeater Primary |
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COMMUNICATIONS LIST (ICS 205A)
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1. Incident Name Gilchrist County ARES SET 2025 |
2Date
From: 04/12/2025 Date To: 04/12/2025. Operational Period: Time From: 0900L Time
To: 1200L |
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3. Basic Local
Communications Information: |
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Incident Assigned
Position |
Callsign |
Name
(Alphabetized) |
Method(s) of
Contact |
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HF WINLINK RADIO ROOM |
WA4AMY |
Amy Woods |
Winlink / IC718 |
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Command Emergency
Coordinator |
KO4YOL |
Fred Lewis |
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WINLINK WELFARE
TRAFFIC TOS (Tactical
Operating Station) |
AB4NX |
Larry Whited |
VHF Radio / Winlink |
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Local Repeaters
(Radio Room) |
KF4UEE |
Maria Rivero |
VHF Radio |
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SARnet and HF Comms
to State EOC Radio Room |
KD4INHY |
Mike Shaffer |
VHF Radio / HF |
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4. Prepared by:
Name: Fred Lewis KO4YOL |
Position: Gilchrist
EC |
Signature: FOL |
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ICS 205A Page 1 of 1 |
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Date/Time: 04/10/2025
10:00L |
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COMMUNICATIONS LIST (ICS 205A)
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COMMUNICATIONS
LOG |
TASK # |
DATE PREPARED: 04/14/25 TIME PREPARED:
08:44 |
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OPERATIONAL PERIOD # |
TASK NAME: Cyberstorm
2025 |
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RADIO OPERATOR NAME: Amy wa4amy |
STATION I.D. NF4EC- WINLINK HF |
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LOG |
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TIME |
FROM |
TO |
SUBJECT |
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04/12/25 09:17 |
NF4EC |
NF4AC |
SET Exercise |
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04/12/25 09:17 |
NF4EC |
NF4CA |
Cyberstorm SET Exercise |
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04/12/25 09:26 |
NF4EC |
KA4EOC |
ICS-213: SET 2025 Cyberstorm
- 04-12-2025 9:15 |
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04/12/25 09:34 |
KA4EOC |
NF4EC |
ACK: ICS-213: SET 2025 Cyberstorm
- 04-12-2025 9:15 |
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04/12/25 09:35 |
NF4EC |
INQUIRY |
REQUEST |
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04/12/25 09:50 |
NF4EC |
KA4EOC |
ICS-213: SET 2025 Cyberstorm
- 04-12-2025 9:49 |
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04/12/25 09:53 |
SERVICE |
NF4EC |
INQUIRY -
https://floridaemergency.net/wpcontent/uploads/flauxstat.txt |
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04/12/25 10:19 |
NF4EC |
NF4EOC FLA-SITREP |
//WL2K R/ Routine/ Field Situation Report
2025-03-24 14:48:17Z |
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04/12/25 10:19 |
NF4EC |
//WL2K R/ Routine/ Field Situation Report
2025-03-24 14:48:17Z |
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04/12/25 10:38 |
NF4EC |
KA4EOC |
ICS 213RR- 2025 Cyberstorm-This
is a text exercise only- Request #:001 |
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04/12/25 10:38 |
NF4EC |
ICS 213RR- 2025 Cyberstorm-This
is a text exercise only- Request #:001 |
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04/12/25 11:00 |
KA4EOC |
NF4EC |
ACK: ICS 213RR- 2025 Cyberstorm-This
is a text exercise onlyRequest #:001 |
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04/12/25 11:30 |
SERVICE |
NF4EC |
Undelivered Message |
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04/12/25 11:32 |
W4CPD |
NF4EC |
ACK: //WL2K R/
Routine/ Field Situation Report 2025-03-24 14:48:17Z |
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04/12/25 11:45 |
NF4EC |
NF4AC NF4CA |
Request for SET message sent via SHARES |
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04/12/25 11:49 |
NF4EC |
INQUIRY |
REQUEST |
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04/12/25 11:58 |
SERVICE |
NF4EC |
INQUIRY - https://floridaemergency.net/wpcontent/uploads/flauxstat.txt |
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04/12/25 12:00 |
NF4EC |
W4CPD |
Cyberstorm SET Exercise |
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04/12/25 12:28 |
W4CPD |
NF4EC |
ACK: Cyberstorm SET
Exercise |
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COMM Log ICS 309 |
1. Incident Name and Activation Number : CyberStorm
SET 2025 |
2. Operational Period
(Date/Time) From: 4/12/24
9:00L To: 4/12/25 12:00L |
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3. Radio Net Name (for NCOs) or
Position/Tactical Call Local Net Bell /
Chiefland Repeaters |
4. Radio Operator (Name,
Call Sign) Fred Lewis KO4YOL / Maria KF4UEE / Nike KD4INH |
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5.
COMMUNICATIONS LOG |
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Time (24:00) |
FROM |
TO |
Message |
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Call Sign/ID Msg # |
Call Sign/ID |
Msg # |
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9:00 |
EOC by KO4YOL |
Bell Repeater |
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Local Set Emergency Message |
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9:05 |
EOC by KO4YOL |
Bell Repeater |
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Net Roll Call |
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9:06 |
KJ4YPZ John |
EOC |
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Roll Call Check-in |
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9:15 |
EOC by KO4YOL |
Chiefland Repeater |
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Local Set Emergency Message |
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9:20 |
EOC by KO4YOL |
Chiefland Repeater |
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Net Roll Call |
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9:24 |
AA4xd Josh |
EOC |
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Roll Call Check-in |
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9:45 |
WA4HHC
Gary |
Bell Repeater |
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Bell Repeater Check-in |
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10:00 |
EOC by KF4UEE |
Bell Repeater |
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Local Set Emergency Message |
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10:15 |
EOC by KF4UEE |
Chiefland Repeater |
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Local Set Emergency Message |
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10:28 |
WA4HHC
Gary |
Bell Repeater |
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WALFARE Radiogram to KO4YOL |
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COMM Log ICS 309 |
1. Incident Name and Activation Number CyberStorm
SET 2025 |
2. Operational Period
(Date/Time) From:
4/12/24 9:00L To: 4/12/25 12:00L |
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3. Radio Net Name (for NCOs) or Position/Tactical Call UHF
SARnet / HF Phone Coms |
4. Radio Operator (Name,
Call Sign) Mike KD4INH |
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5.
COMMUNICATIONS LOG |
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Time (24:00) |
FROM |
TO |
Message |
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Call Sign/ID Msg # |
Call Sign/ID Msg # |
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09:17 |
KA4EOC St EOC |
NF4EC Gilchrist |
State Check-in |
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9:22 |
NF4EC Gilchrist EOC |
State EOC |
Heard? KZ4RJ try to connect but unreadable |
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9-0012 00 |
NF4EC Gilchrist EOC |
State EOC |
No HF Phone Coms |
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6. Prepared By (Name, Call Sign) |
7. Date & Time Prepared |
8. |
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Page _____ of _____ |
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COMMUNICATIONS LOG |
TASK WELFARE |
DATE PREPARED: 04/12/25 TIME
PREPARED: 12:32 |
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OPERATIONAL
PERIOD # 04/12/2025 0900-1200 |
TASK NAME: GILCHRIST SET 4-12-2025 |
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RADIO
OPERATOR NAME: Larry Whited NB4NX |
STATION I.D. AB4NX |
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LOG |
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TIME |
FROM |
TO |
SUBJECT |
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03/25/24 15:21 |
N7GRB |
AB4NX |
Winlink Check-in EXERCISE - N7GRB - Suwanee,
GA |
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03/25/24 19:23 |
AB4NW |
AB4NX |
Winlink Check-in Net - AB4NW - Stone Mountain
GA |
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03/25/24 20:08 |
W4KIB |
AB4NX |
Gwinnet ARES Digital Practice Net EXERCISE -
W4KIB - QTH |
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03/25/24 20:28 |
KT4LS |
AB4NX |
Winlink Check-in Net - KT4LS - Peachtree
Corners, GA 30092 |
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03/25/24 20:51 |
KQ4HIR |
AB4NX |
Winlink Check-in EXERCISE - KQ4HIR - Home |
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03/31/24 20:20 |
W4JNR |
AB4NX |
Re: AS#6 Final Update 18:44 |
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04/01/24 20:15 |
AB4NW |
AB4NX |
Winlink Check-in Net - AB4NW - Stone Mountain
GA |
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04/01/24 20:44 |
W4KIB |
AB4NX |
Re: Winlink Check-in EXERCISE - AB4NX - Home |
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04/24/24 13:41 |
WB4QDX |
AB4NX |
Test from Strike Team 4 - 2024-04-24 13:35 |
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04/24/24 14:11 |
WX4GMA |
AB4NX |
Re: 1000 mile test
gateway |
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04/25/24 09:44 |
NNK4EM |
AB4NX |
Block 2, Task 15 - 04/25/2024 0935 |
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04/12/25 09:38 |
AB4NX |
KO4YOL RRI- ARCHIVE |
QTC 1 W BELL FL 32619 |
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04/12/25 10:24 |
AB4NX |
KD4INH KO4YOL |
QTC 1 TEST W BELL FL FROM LARRY WHITED |
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04/12/25 10:42 |
AB4NX |
KO4YOL |
QTC 1 W BELL FL 32626 |
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04/12/25 11:14 |
AB4NX |
KD4INH KF4VEE |
QTC 1 W BELL FL 32626 |
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04/12/25 11:15 |
SERVICE |
AB4NX |
Undelivered Message |
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Page 1
of 1 |
309 Form |
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END 2025 SET
08/05/2023
Annual SET
Exercise will be in the Spring in 2024.
05/04/2023
MEMORANDUM
FOR
TO: Arc
Thames
FROM:
Gilchrist County EC Fred Lewis KO4YOL
SUBJECT: After
Action Report (AAR),
Service Denied
REF: HSEEP
Exercise Plan – DRAFT Revision 2.0.2 04/08/2023]
GENERAL INFORMATION / INTRODUCTION
1. This exercise is a deployment, full
scale exercise, planned for 2 hours at multiple locations throughout northern
Florida and including participants throughout the southeastern United States.
Gilchrist County participated manning EOC and POT.
2. This was a new experience for all
members: The following is information regarding the contingency itself:
3. • Deployed Location: EOC deployment,
Shelter Location in parking lot as a POT
4. • Deployed Personnel:
5. Fred Lewis KO4YOL - EOC - EC Phone
HF/VHF NETS Comms to Shelter (TE) Mike Shaffer KD4INH – EOC - Winlink HF Ralph
Smith Gilchrist Emergency Manager David Gilliam K4DFG – TE – Comms VHF HF Amy
Woods WA4AMY – TE – Comms VHF HF Winlink Kathy Gilliam KN4JXR – TE -Comms VHF
Maria Rivero KF4UEE – TE – Comms VHF Curtis Townsend KO4BUB – TE – Participant
6. • Duration of Deployment: 8:30 AM to
11:30 AM Local 04-22-2023
7. • Scope of Operation: Our objective
is to deploy our assets to test comms to State EOC and from furthest Shelter
location3. EOC HF/VHF Operations
8. • Comms HF Phone to ARES net, SARNET,
AREA NET and Shelter Comms
9. • In preparing for the exercise, we
added a bar across an existing tower and added two pulleys for dipole antennas.
We also added a new UHF/VHF antenna for SARNET and Simplex to the shelters. Onn
that day We had cables running to the EOC laying on the ground for dipole and
VHF/UHF, I added another radio in EOC to monitor our local repeaters. All this
was manned by one person. Fred Lewis EC KO4YOL
10.
•
The new antennas works great with comms to shelter
simplex/ SARNET and HF to ARES net. There is a need for one person handling
only Comms with local net and shelter. 4. EOC Winlink
Operations • Personal equipment consisting of a computer and HF radio were
brought in and used with existing HF antenna.
11.
•
Our Winlink comms were set up manned by Mike Shaffer KD4INH.
12.
•
Messages via Winlink were set out as received from injects. We need more
practice and maybe a way to network another PC to a central outbox. 5. TE POT].
(Trenton Elementary Shelter Parking Lot)
13.
•
Set up POT in front of Trenton Elementary as TE Shelter. Test simplex comms.
Test HF comms
14.
•
Our TE crew arrived at 8:30 and began setting up operations. They completed the
set up by 9:15. Having both HF and VHF comms.
15.
•
Set up time 45 minutes was great they followed all injects as they happened
even setting up another antenna. ]
16.
CONCLUSION
Gilchrist ARES group have come together quickly with personal equipment,
enthusiasm to meet the challenge. In a short 3 months this was all put
together. Before that we only had one vhf radio that could not communicate with
our furthest shelter and one HF radio on a vertical antenna that always needs
relay in morning ARES net. Many thanks to our emergency manager Ralph Smith for
help for adding antenna capability to tower. (He was the man in the bucket truck). The exercise
showed us our week spots and the need for more volunteers. In the exercise we
only manned 1 of the 3 shelters. I believe that we need to set up Winlink at
one of the shelters for Welfare messages. Also, the need for one other person
in the EOC to help with overflow traffic. Now our group only has 4 general or
above license operators.