Wellington VHF Group, Inc: Online.

Wellington VHF Group were pleased to host Squadron Leader Paul Drysdale RNZAF at their August General Meeting. A brief report on the meeting follows....

During General Business, 'routine' matters for the Group were covered, followed by our current projects. Coming up very soon is a major Working Bee at Belmont, to help 'straighten' the shack at the base of the Belmont tower, which has tilted on its foundations and needs to be straightened up, in order for a new door to be fitted. Volunteers are required (transport to site will be provided) so those who're able and willing, are asked to contact Peter ZL2VK. As he so aptly noted; it's our Repeater, so we must all help in it's upkeep!

Peter ZL2VK Briefs the members on current projects

Paul provided an informational, informal insight into his posting to Washington DC as the New Zealand Liaison Officer to the Combined Communications Electronics Board (CCEB), a multinational Military interoperability standards setting organisation.

He covered some of the history of the CCEB, mentioned some of their significant contributions to the communications world and some of the difficulties faced.

Pauls role as the Combined Communications and Electronics Officer (CCEO) at Washington DC exposed him to many interesting aspects of the military communications world and he was able to expose WVHFG members and guests present to far more acronyms than is probably healthy on a single evening! However the presentation and Question-and-Answer session at the end was very enlightening, with Pauls colleague Mark Foster (ZL1VMF) and other former RNZAF types in the audience (in particular Paul ZL2BEZ) able to throw - and respond to - various curveball queries from the audience.

Attendees look on with interest during the meeting.

Paul's current role as the Assistant Director Military Communications, within the Communications & Information Systems Branch of New Zealand Defence Force (based in Porirua) has continued to provide opportunities to work in what must be a uniquely interesting and challenging environment.

SQNLDR Drysdale engages in a QnA session with the meeting.

Wellington VHF Group would like to thank SQNLDR Drysdale for his interesting talk, and the members for their attendance and contributions. A reminder that upcoming events can be checked via our Events Calendar.