On October 4th 2023, a band of ten experienced ham radio DXpeditioners will be QRV from Swains Island in the South Pacific. This is a much sought after QSO as Swains is ranked #27 on the Club Log most wanted DXCC list. DX Hall of Famer, and W8S teammate, Adrian Ciuperca KO8SCA explains their entire operation in detail including the team’s unique relationship with the island owners, the Jennings family, who are providing a significant amount of logistical support for the trip. Before you get on the air to make your contact, learn more about Swains and the effort being made to bring you this rare DXCC, IOTA and POTA contact.
In the 1970s, my grandmother (from Tennessee) was a public health nurse for a few years in American Samoa, and at least once rode out to Swains, probably to administer vaccinations though I don't remember exactly why. She would love to tell stories about it, and was really interested in the people that then lived there. Although I understand that it may be uninhabited now. I'll give it a shot!
Adrian KO0SCA was the (virtual/Zoom) guest presenter this past Wednesday 9/13 at our local South-East Michigan DX Assoc. (SEMDXA) September monthly meeting. He described his various DXpeditions and highlighted on Swains Island coming up, in particular some of the negotiations needed for access to land and operate (it's privately owned). I'm hoping to add them to the log on as many bands and I can get!
