K7OVM Charles E. Shanks Aloha, OR QCWA # 19958 Chapter 108

Originally licensed in 1961 as KN7OVM, finally upgraded to General and dropped the "N" to become K7OVM. Enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969 and operated Maritime Mobile from Regions One, Two & Three. My first ship was the U.S.S. America (CVA-66), an aircraft carrier. After she was decomissioned,She was sunk off the East Coast to serve as a "reef" for marine fauna. Our station onboard consisted of a Drake "B" line with an L4B amp. and a Hustler 4BTV mounted on top of the island structure. This put the antenna over 100' above sea level. Our primary reason for the Ham station was to provide communications for the crew via Phone Patches back to the states while we were deployed. During our several deployments overseas we ran100's if not 1,000's of phone patches back home for the crew. The "B" line was later upgraded to a "C" line. In 1978 I obtained my Radio Telephone First Class license with a Ship Radar endorsement. Which currently is a G.R.O.L. with Ship Radar endoresement. I was discharged from active duty in 1979 & then after moving back to Oregon with my family I joined a Navy reserve component locally in Portland. I eventually retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years Active/Reserve time.

My primary interest is chasing DX whenever I have a chance and have 327 countries confirmed. I occasionaly dabble in contests and especially enjoy the A.R.R.L. DX contest.

I operate CW about 99% of the time but have been known to pick up a microphone but I'm not so sure if I can remember where I put it or how to hook it up to the rig.

I retired again in February 2011 from IKON Office Solutions and am enjoying the free time to "play" more on the bands. I usually try to send Qsl's to the bureau twice a year and I do use the A.R.R.L. LOTW. I upload my logbook as often as I can remember to.

The current station consists of an IC-756 Pro3 barefoot using a 2 element Quad as the radiator. The Quad is situated only about 30 feet on top of the tower but has proven to be very effective at that low height.

This was the Ham Shack aboard the U.S.S. America approx. 1973. Our antenna at the time was a Hustler 4BTV Vertical situated on top of the Island structure. It met an untimely demise when moisture seeped into one of the traps and the air search radar heated up the water and blew up the trap. During our next stand down period in the Philippines, we relocated an unused Navy issue 35' whip complete with tuner cage from the starboard side of the ship to just aft of the LSO platform. This was accomplished with some help from the local shipyard workers, a crane, and a small bribe.(The LSO platform is located aft on the flight deck & it's where the Landing Safety Officer stands & directs the planes in for a"safe" landing.)

September 08, 2015