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FEMA REGION X
March 2017
COMMUNICATIONS EXERCISE PLAN
PREFACE
FEMA Region X sponsors multiple communications exercises each month as fully describe further in this document. The purpose of these exercises is to coordinate radio communication exercise opportunities throughout the Region’s area of operations including within the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The communications exercises listed are those with a regional emphasis. This does not preclude or prevent states, tribes and local jurisdictions conducting their own exercises.
All exercise participants should use appropriate guidelines to ensure the proper control of information within their areas of expertise and to protect this material in accordance with current jurisdictional directives. Public release of exercise materials to third parties is at the discretion of FEMA Region X Emergency Communications Branch.
HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS
1. The title of this document is FEMA Region X March 2017 Communications Exercise Plan (ExPlan).
2. The information gathered in this ExPlan is to be used by participants in conjunction with the exercise.
3. For more information, please consult the following points of contacts (POC):
For exercise or radio coordination:
Laura Goudreau
Regional Emergency Communications Coordinator
Region X
Federal Emergency Management Agency
425-487-4706
Laura.Goudreau@fema.
For digital radio messaging coordination:
Josh Keller
Emergency Communications Branch
Region X
Federal Emergency Management Agency
425-487-4589
Joshua.Keller@fema.
For media coordination:
Savannah Brehmer
Digital Media Manager
Region X
Federal Emergency Management Agency
425-219-1206
Savannah.Brehmer@fema.
Contents
PREFACE i
HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS i
CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INFORMATION 4
Introduction 4
Exercise Objectives 4
Assumptions 4
Constraints 4
Overview of Systems and Tests 5
FEMA National Radio System (FNARS) 5
SHAred RESources (SHARES) 6
5MHz HF Interop (60 Meter Band) 7
FLDIGI 7
Media Outreach Testing for Public Messages 7
CHAPTER 2: Concept of the Operation 8
General 8
Exercise Implementation 8
Exercise Rules 8
Net Control Station (NCS) 8
COMMEX Dates 8
FNARS National Radio Net (NRN) 9
FNARS Western Regional Radio Net (RRN) 9
SHARES 10
HF Interoperability Exercise 10
Winlink 11
Media Outreach Test 11
Exercise Results 12
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CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction
A major incident has occurred that has disrupted communications within the Region. It could be an earthquake, a flood, or any number of natural or man-made causes. How will your agency communicate with other responders, state emergency management offices, Federal agencies, and media?
The FEMA Region X monthly COMMEX is developed by the FEMA Region X’s Disaster Emergency Communications Branch to assist Federal, state, tribal, and local jurisdictions/agencies with testing their radio communications platforms. This is always a “no-fault” environment. These COMMEXes provide agencies and organizations the ability to test radios, antennas and procedures in a multi-user environment.
Exercise Objectives
There are three training objectives for the Region X CR16 COMMEX:
• Bolster Proficiency with radio communications to:
– Practice how we would operate during an emergency
– Practice the coordination for use of the multiple radio systems
– Develop and practice standard radio frequency plans
– Develop and practice standard radio operations protocol (call signs, etc)
– Practice formal net procedures
– Practice Net Control protocols
– Establish and operate radio networks utilizing:
• FNARS
• SHARES
• 60 M Interoperability Channels
• Winlink
– Practice transmitting / receiving data over radio system
• Increase familiarity and knowledge of the 60M (5 MHz) band for interoperability between amateur radio operators and authorized federal radio operators including cross border communications with British Columbia, Canada
• Test the ability to pass emergency notices for the public.
Assumptions
Assumptions constitute the implied factual foundation for the exercise and, hence, are assumed to be present before the start of the exercise.
• The exercise will be conducted in a no-fault learning environment wherein systems and processes, not individuals, will be evaluated.
• Agencies/Organizations will take the opportunity for training and experience with the units.
Constraints
The participating agencies may need to balance exercise play with real-world emergencies. Real-world emergencies take priority.
Overview of Systems and Tests
FEMA National Radio System (FNARS)
The FEMA National Radio System (FNARS) is a nationwide High Frequency (HF) Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) network that provides backup communications during continuity events that may impact the government’s ability to execute its essential functions. FNARS provides real-time situational awareness directly from disaster areas for improved decision-making. Its capabilities include voice, chat, phone patch, and email for select sites. The system serves as the primary unclassified continuity communications solutions in anticipation of or in response to National Security and Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) events for Federal, State, and territory levels of government. FNARS facilitates command and control (C2) capability in support of the National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD)-51/ Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-20, Executive Order (EO) 12472, and the National Response Framework.
FNARS has been in existence since the 1960s, succeeding previous HF radio systems that supported all-hazard responses. FNARS operates at over 80 sites, to include FEMA Regions, the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center (MWEOC), and State and territorial EOCs. FNARS is comprised of three networks, each with a unique mission and purpose within the system: National Radio Network (NRN), Regional Radio Network (RRN), and National Emergency Coordination Network (NECN).
The National Radio Network (NRN) is designed to provide real-time situational awareness and C2 for remote FEMA entities, leadership at FEMA Headquarters, and various Continuity of Operations (COOP) locations. FEMA Senior leadership may activate the NRN in preparation for or in response to large-scale, nationwide continuity events where communication is required across several regions, and normal means of communication have been lost. The NRN is reserved for the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center (MWEOC), the five Federal Regional Centers (FRC), and 10 FEMA Regional Offices.
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National Radio Network
The Regional Radio Network (RRN) is designed to facilitate enhanced coordination across disparate FEMA Regions, States, and territories. The RRN is activated when normal means of communications are lost during incidents that are relatively centralized, such as during a regional earthquake or hurricane. FEMA Senior Leadership may activate one or more of the RRNs in response to incidents that are isolated to a specific region of the country and when normal means of communications are no longer available. A State or territory EOC may make a request to its respective FRC to activate the assigned RRN as well.
There are 5 FNARS RRNs, comprised of the 5 FRCs, 10 ROs, and State and territory EOCs. The RRNs do not correspond with the 10 FEMA Regions; therefore, many State and territory EOCs from different FEMA regions may belong to a single RRN. Each FRC acts as the NC for its respective RRN, referred to as a Regional NC.
The RRN is activated during incidents that are isolated to a specific region of the country. When a RRN is active, all EOCs must facilitate communications through their Regional NC. If the Regional NC is unavailable, the station must call the Alternate Regional NC. If the Alternate Regional NC is unavailable, the station may attempt to call another State or territory EOC directly using ALE. State and territory EOCs cannot communicate directly with National NC and transmissions must be relayed through their FRC.
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Regional Radio Networks
The National Emergency Coordination Network (NECN) facilitates communications between Federal, State, and territorial government entities, as well as authorized NGOs. NECN is activated in emergencies that require communication across several departments and agencies, not limited to FRCs, ROs, and EOCs, such as during Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti Earthquake. NECN is a directed network with frequencies determined at the time of activation. When activated, the standard operating procedure is for all participants to receive permission from the National NC prior to initiating contact with a desired station.
SHAred RESources (SHARES)
The SHAred RESources (SHARES) High Frequency (HF) Radio program, administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) National Coordinating Center for Communications (NCC), provides an additional means for users with a national security and emergency preparedness mission to communicate when landline and cellular communications are unavailable. SHARES members use existing HF radio resources to coordinate and transmit messages needed to perform critical functions, including those areas related to leadership, safety, maintenance of law and order, finance, and public health.
FEMA Region X is only a participant in SHARES. For more information about shares, please contact the DHS SHARES Program Manager, Ross Merlin, at ross.merlin@hq..
5MHz HF Interop (60 Meter Band)
In accordance with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management (Redbook), the 5 frequencies, as listed below, are designated to DHS/FEMA as the primary with joint authorization given to the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard. In 2003, amateur radio operators were granted use of these 5 channels on a secondary basis. One advantage to this joint use is the ability to utilize these channels for interoperability between federal stations and amateur radio operators supporting emergency and disaster operations. Use of these 5 channels is limited to USB voice and data with the bandwidth centered on the designated channel as seen in the chart below.
|Channel |Center Frequency |Tuning Frequency |Primary Use |
| | |(USB) | |
|1 |5332.0 kHz |5330.5 kHz |Calling Channel |
|2 |5348.0 kHz |5346.5 kHz |Data |
|3 |5358.5 kHz |5357.0 kHz | |
|4 |5373.0 kHz |5371.5 kHz | |
|5 |5405.0 kHz |5403.5 kHz |Alt. Calling Channel |
FLDIGI
FLDIGI (Fast Light Digital modem) is an open source software program that runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android and FreeBSD that uses a computer’s soundcard as a data modem when connected to a single side band (SSB) transceiver for digital two way radio communications. Modes available for use include PSK31, RTTY, MFSK, and CW. FLDIGI allows for radio operators to send digital messages between two or more radios. FEMA Region X utilizes FLDIGI for broadcast data communications over the 5 MHz Channel 2.
Media Outreach Testing for Public Messages
Media outlets influence the public with their ability to deliver information and are a key asset if they can continue to deliver information to the public when disaster strikes. To help augment infrastructure that may be affected by a disaster, FEMA Region X has developed a capability for media outlets to receive real-time messages from Federal and state emergency managers when traditional methods are not functioning. States (operating as a Federal station) and FEMA have the authority to broadcast information on specific 5MHz frequencies. To test this capability, FEMA Region X will conduct monthly tests in both voice and data (using FLDIGI). Media outlets in Idaho, Oregon and Washington are welcome to practice receiving these messages at 1900z every third Wednesday of the month. For more information, please contact the FEMA Region X External Affairs office at FEMA-R10-NewsDesk@fema..
CHAPTER 2: Concept of the Operation
General
The Region X monthly COMMEXs are designed to achieve the mission of testing fixed and mobile communications and interoperability capabilities of various agencies and organizations to prepare for emergency crisis response—locally, regionally, and nationally. The focus for these exercises is to create a training/learning environment in order to further stress and test interoperability capabilities. This functional test will be accomplished using organic agency resources to provide operational equipment testing and personnel training opportunities.
Exercise Implementation
Exercise Rules
The following are the general rules that govern exercise play:
• Real-world emergency actions take priority over exercise actions.
• Exercise participants will comply with real-world response procedures, unless otherwise directed by control staff.
• All parties should use their appropriate NTIA (Federal) or FCC (non-Federal) call signs.
• When transmitting your call sign at the beginning and end of your transmission, stations must include location. (example: “WGY910, Bothell, WA”)
• Work with all participating agencies in a cooperative and positive manner.
• Follow the regulations that apply to your radio license(s)
Net Control Station (NCS)
The role of the NCS is to ensure that communications on the net is handled as efficiently as possible. The following are guidelines that should be followed to ensure efficient communications:
• ALL traffic on the net will be directed by the NCS.
• Stations with traffic for the NCS or other stations on the net will first make contact with the NCS and then wait until directed to complete the desired contact.
• NCS may direct stations to an off-net frequency to pass traffic.
• NCS may direct stations to an off-net frequency to standup a tactical HF net too offload traffic from the primary net.
• NCS may provide or call upon any station checked into the net to provide relay.
• NCS will keep a log of all stations checked into and out of the net.
• NCS will keep a log of all net activities.
COMMEX Dates
Region X conducts or participates in communications exercises on different days throughout the month. Please check the time table for the exercise you wish to (and are authorized to) participate in.
| |Tuesday |Wednesday |
|WEEK 1 |March 7th |March 8th |
| |FNARS NRN (0900 PST) |SHARES National Net (1500z-1600z) |
| |FNARS Western RRN (1630z-1900z) |SHARES NW Net (1700z-1800z) |
|WEEK 2 |March 14th |March 15th |
| |FNARS NRN (0900 PDT) |SHARES National Net (1500z-1600z) |
| |FNARS Western RRN (1630z-1900z) |SHARES NW Net (1600z-1700z) |
| | |HF Interoperability Net (1730z-1845z) |
| | |Media Outreach Exercise (1900z-1930z) |
|WEEK 3 |March 21st |March 22nd |
| |FNARS NRN (0900 PDT) |SHARES National Net (1500z-1600z) |
| |FNARS Western RRN (1630z-1900z) |SHARES NW Net (1600z-1700z) |
|WEEK 4 |March 28th |March 29th |
| |FNARS NRN (0900 PDT) |SHARES National Net (1500z-1600z) |
| |FNARS Western RRN (1630z-1900z) |SHARES NW Net (1600z-1700z) |
FNARS National Radio Net (NRN)
Weekly FNARS NRN guidance is publish by the FNARS Program Office to authorized FNARS stations.
FNARS Western Regional Radio Net (RRN)
The objectives of the FEMA National Radio System (FNARS) Regional Test and Exercise Program are to: (1) maintain the highest level of network operator proficiency; and (2) ensure equipment functionality via periodic tests. The Regional Radio Net Test is a weekly test conducted by FEMA Region X Disaster Emergency Communications (DEC). It should be noted that this test plan is a working document, which will be refined regularly based on participant feedback and test results.
During the scheduled testing window (see below), each state/territorial FNARS station will establish a HF ALE link with the Net Control Station (NCS) as identified in the weekly test schedule above to conduct their system test. The NCS will log the time of the voice contact and will initiate an HF Chat. On the third week of the month, operators will also conduct a phone patch calling 425-487-4724. If a station is unable to connect, the station operator is to email laura.goudreau@fema. with the date, time, and number of attempted links. Additionally, if stations are unable to participate for any of the weekly tests or have further questions, please contact the Western Regional Radio Net Test Coordinator at laura.goudreau@fema..
Net Control Station (NCS) contact number during these tests is 425-487-4724.
TEST WINDOWS:
NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
*note: all times listed are Zulu (UTC). A tool available to assist you in converting the time to your local time zone is .
SHARES
SHARES guidance is publish by the DHS SHARES Program Office to authorized SHARES stations. For more information, please contact the SHARES Program Manager, Ross Merlin, at ross.merlin@hq..
HF Interoperability Exercise
On the third Wednesday of each month, FEMA Region X conducts a COMMEX consisting of radio check in’s from authorized state, tribal, federal and amateur stations to test HF interoperability in case of an emergency or disaster response. Cities, counties, tribes, authorized Federal agencies and amateur operators that support jurisdictional emergency management organizations are welcome to participate. The coordination and authorization of this net between Federal stations and amateur licensees has been coordinated and authorized by the NTIA and the FCC.
This 3rd Wednesday net will include a digital component intended as a 1-way broadcast message to test the ability for FEMA to send messages, and remote stations to receive. In order to ensure compatibility with amateur stations digital transmissions will follow the ARRL recommendations for amateur digital use on 60m from .
The voice net will open on 60m Channel 1 – 5330.5kHz at 1730z with net control announcing the digital net. Check-ins will be postponed until after the first round of digital transmissions. Following the initial set of digital transmissions net control will call for voice check-ins on CH1. ALL stations will be expected to check-in with their callsign, city and state of operation, and a report on the ability to receive the digital messages, along with which mode is preferred. The alternate frequency for the voice net is 5403.5 KHz USB in case the primary frequency does not propagate well. If you do not hear traffic on 5330.5 KHz, please check 5403.5 KHz.
Messages will all be sent using FLMSG 4.0 using the Blank form template. This method will allow users of FLMSG to validate 100% decoding of the message, but will also allow stations who do not have FLMSG to still read the text.
The digital portion of the net will consist of two different messages, each repeated using different digital modes. The first message is a short intro message intended to validate that stations are correctly setup to receive the digital messages. The second message is much longer and reports will help determine recommendations for modes to use in future exercise or real-world events.
The digital portion of the net will occur on Channel 2 – 5346.6kHz USB with the digital software centered at 1500hz.
Third Wednesday Region X HF Interoperability Testing Schedule:
|Start Time (z)|Action |System |Frequency |Participants |
|1735 |Net Control sends first digital|60M |CH 2 – 5346.5kHz USB| |
| |message |BPSK31 | | |
|1740 |Net Control repeats first |60M |CH 2 – 5346.5kHz | |
| |digital message using alternate|MT63-2KL |USB | |
| |mode | | | |
|1745 |Net control calls for check-ins|60M |CH 1 – 5330.5kHz USB| |
| |and reports | | | |
|1815 |Net control transmits 2nd |60M |CH 2 – 5346.5kHz | |
| |digital message |BPSK31 |USB | |
|1825 |Net control re-transmits 2nd |60M |CH 2 – 5346.5kHz | |
| |digital message using alternate|MT63-2KL |USB | |
| |mode | | | |
|1827 |Net control calls for reports |60M |CH 1 – 5330.5kHz USB| |
|1850 |Net control closes the net |60M |CH 1 – 5330.5kHz USB| |
*note: all times listed are Zulu (UTC). A tool available to assist you in converting the time to your local time zone is .
Winlink
SHARES and Amateur Stations with winlink email are encouraged to send a test message from your winlink account to laura.goudreau@fema. during the exercise period.
Media Outreach Test
At 1900z on the third Wednesday of each month, FEMA Region X will send out a voice broadcast to listening media outlets to test sending out emergency public messages. Media outlets influence the public with their ability to deliver information and are a key asset if they can continue to deliver information to the public when disaster strikes. The media can develop the knowledge, skills and ability on how they can receive emergency public messaging from state and federal emergency managers when traditional communication methods are down. At 1900z, FEMA Region X will send out a voice message to media outlets in Idaho, Oregon and Washington on 5330.5 KHz Upper Side Band (USB). This will be a short message used to confirm media outlets can receive the message. Additionally, at 1915z, FEMA Region X will send a digital message using FLDIGI in PSK31B on 5346.5 USB. Upon receipt of or more of the messages by media outlets, we request a confirmation email be sent to laura.goudreau@fema. and FEMA-R10-NewsDesk@fema. by each media outlet that receives the information with a summary of what the public message contained. Media outlets are reminded to NOT transmit on either of the two frequencies without proper licensing.
Exercise Results
At the conclusion of each exercise, results of contacts made will be published at . This is a public facing site and no special permissions are needed to view the information.
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