Newport News Amateur Communications Team – NNACT

Who we are

The Newport News Amateur Communications Team (NNACT) provides emergency amateur radio communications services for the City of Newport News and the Virginia Peninsula. We are part of ARES/RACES of Virginia, District 5, which includes the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). NNACT operates under the guidance of the City of Newport News Office of Emergency Management, serving local hospitals, shelters, public utilities, and agencies such as the police and fire departments and the American Red Cross. Furthermore, NNACT is compliant with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Leadership & Contact Information

  • Dave Hewlett (WA4OPE) – Emergency Coordinator (EC)
  • Rick Ross (KG4TAX) – Assistant EC
  • Darrell Sutton (KF4HJW) – Assistant EC

The Role of Amateur Radio

Amateur radio is a specialized service governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that allows licensed operators to communicate across a wide range of frequencies and operating modes. Federal law permits amateur operators registered with a Civil Defense organization (such as the City of Newport News) to provide vital communications during emergencies when standard operations might otherwise be restricted.

Communications – More Than Voice

Modern amateur radio provides advanced capabilities far beyond basic voice transmission. Our high-tech gear and digital modes allow us to offer:

  • Digital bulletin board services
  • Sending and receiving photos and faxes
  • Sending and receiving email, relayed wirelessly to an Internet Service Provider outside the affected disaster area
  • Automatic position reporting and tracking of handheld and mobile units
  • Reliable voice communications
  • Wide-area wireless networks for the automatic and manual routing of messages over long distances
Several antennas and communication equipment are silhouetted against a gradient sky. The sky transitions from blue at the top to a warm orange and yellow near the horizon, suggesting either sunrise or sunset. The scene conveys an industrial setting with a focus on telecommunications.

For more information, use our Contact form below. If you are public service-oriented, contact us to find out how you can volunteer and help others during emergencies. We provide training materials, hold periodic meetings, conduct drills, and participate in public service events. All volunteers are encouraged to become licensed operators, and we can assist with training, though we also welcome non-licensed volunteers.