9H9SWT

As part of the Year 2003 U.S. Swift Boat Sailors Reunion activities, Special Event Radio Amateur Station callsign "N4S" has been operating from March 20 to 23, 2003 from the Sheraton Waterside Hotel, Norfolk, Virginia USA with the aim to provide an opportunity for interested radio amateurs (and many of the other attendees) - not only the Swift Boat hams - to "visit on the air" & "participate in amateur radio" via the Station through the QSO's, sharing their interesting personal experiences onboard these very first special warfare craft to be deployed by the US Navy. A really memorable and spectacular aspect of the reunion activity has been scheduled contacts between N4S and the Armed Forces of Malta's Maritime Squadron Base at Haywharf, Floriana - operated by hams of the Special Event Radio Station callsign "9H9SWT". The A.F.M. operates the last examples of Swift Boats still on active duty anywhere in the world. Interaction between the US Swift Boat sailors and their counterparts in Malta has undoubtedly featured the pride that both organizations have in the accomplishments of their common vessels in areas separated by significant geographical distances and time. Operation of the special event stations N4S and 9H9SWT is on the 10 and 20 amateur bands. QSL manager for contacts with N4S will be KF5DX, whilst for 9H9SWT will be 9H1MRL (please include SAE and contribution for postal coverage). QSL cards will feature a front-side colour photo as depicted at the top of this web page. USA QSL's will be provided ONLY when requests are made via a letter which is accompanied by a SAE. QSL's to stations outside the US "may" be sent by the bureau if time and availability permit. To insure receipt of a QSL card, stations not in the US should request them via letter including appropriate return postage. The eQSLs should be available as posted during the event on each evening of the reunion.