Thursday, June 08, 2006

*Flash* Keflavik HF-GCS to Close


According to a DoD NOTAM notice, Global Station Keflavik, Iceland, will close 1 Jul 2006. The NOTAM reads in part, "Expect to have coverage gaps along the northern transatlantic and polar regions. Aircrews should rely on general Mainsail calls, with Andrews and Croughton-specified contact being secondary. HF support will continue to be supported by other HFGCS stations. In addition, aircrews should reference the flight information handbook for appropriate stations and frequencies."

And this from the U.S. Naval Station Keflavik website -- NAS KEF Transition Background:
The President of the United States (POTUS) in March 2006 made the decision that Naval Air Station, Keflavik will begin a transition to a reduced "footprint" which will be completed by 30 September 2006. The Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Air Station, Keflavik is the overall authority for issues concerning the base. The U.S. Ambassador to Iceland is the single spokesperson for the United States Government in Iceland. The information on this web page applies to Naval Air Station, Keflavik and all its tenants as well as supporting activities.

Another victim of this closure is the base Armed Forces Network (AFN) station, colloquially known as "Yankee Radio." It is unknown at presstime if the AFN shortwave outlet at Keflavik has left the air, but one unofficial source indicates it has. If you are a Utility DXer and have not logged Iceland yet, your best chance to do so is about to leave the air.