At the beginning of December 2025, a practical emergency communications training exercise took place on Vashon-Maury Island in Washington State. The event brought together local volunteers, amateur radio operators, and members of the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and Auxiliary Communications Service. The training focused on the use of portable communications systems designed to operate when cellular networks, the internet, and standard telecommunications infrastructure fail.
The central element of the training was the use of so-called Portable Communications Caches, which are complete, self-contained emergency communications kits. Each cache includes amateur radios for voice communications, a computer for sending digital messages over radio, and full antenna and power equipment. The systems are designed to be deployed quickly, even by individuals with limited technical experience, which is critical in emergency conditions.
Several such caches are in service on the island. Some are intended for local communications, while one is equipped with an HF (shortwave) radio, enabling long-distance communication with the mainland. To simplify operational coordination, the kits are given simple, easy-to-remember names, which has proven effective during both exercises and real-world emergency responses.
The training highlighted the particular importance of radio communications for island communities. In the event of an earthquake or severe storms, Vashon-Maury Island could be cut off from the outside world, leaving radio as the only means of external communication. In such situations, amateur radio operators play a crucial role by ensuring the flow of information between aid locations, emergency services, and emergency operations centers.
The sessions also addressed legal and organizational aspects, emphasizing that transmitting on amateur radio bands requires a valid license, even during training exercises and actual emergencies. Regular training and equipment testing not only maintain technical readiness but also strengthen cooperation between volunteers and emergency services.
The training on Vashon Island is another example of how amateur radio remains one of the most reliable communication tools in emergency situations. It also demonstrates that amateur radio is not just a hobby, but a real and vital component of local community safety systems.