Brooklyn Readies for “The Final Countdown” as 2025 ARRL Field Day Nears

By: TJVNews.com

The countdown to the 2025 ARRL Field Day has officially begun. The event—regarded as the crown jewel of the amateur radio calendar—will unfold over the weekend of June 28–29, bringing together tens of thousands of operators from across the United States and Canada. Among the most anticipated gatherings is the activation site at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, New York, where The Kings County Radio Club and Kings County REACT will co-host a robust Field Day operation.

According to the ARRL Station Locator Tool, 1,067 Field Day sites are registered to date, each now deep in the throes of final preparation. But for the Brooklyn team, this year’s site—situated at the northeast corner of the historic Hangar B Apron in Gateway National Recreation Area—is about more than just airwaves and antennas. It’s a statement of resilience, education, and community engagement.

The Site and the Schedule

The Brooklyn Field Day operation will begin promptly at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 28, and run continuously for 24 hours through Sunday afternoon. The event is free and open to the public, offering a rare opportunity for residents, families, and technophiles to engage firsthand with the world of amateur radio—a medium that continues to play a vital role in emergency communication and global fellowship.

“Field Day is more than a contest,” said Bart Jahnke (W9JJ), ARRL Radiosport and Regulatory Information Manager, in an official release. “It’s a public demonstration of our readiness and capabilities. Every piece of gear, from the antennas to the grounding rods, matters.”

Jahnke emphasized the importance of pre-event diligence, urging operators to test and retest every element of their stations: “Go through your power chain, from the generator to every extension cord. A minor failure now can become a major problem then.”

Beyond the Antennas: People, Logistics, Outreach

As the logistics stack up, organizers are also focusing heavily on people. “Now is the time to verify your operator schedule and re-confirm who’s committed to showing up,” said Jahnke. “We also encourage clubs to touch base with media, local officials, and the community to reinforce the importance of amateur radio in times of emergency.”

The Kings County Radio Club, known for its strong educational outreach, is reportedly preparing live demonstrations, licensing information sessions, and hands-on opportunities for visitors to operate under the supervision of licensed hams. Partnering with Kings County REACT, a public service communications group, adds an additional layer of coordination and technical expertise.

“Field Day is not just about scoring contacts—it’s about building bridges,” noted Sierra Harrop (W5DX), ARRL Public Relations and Outreach Manager. “It’s an unparalleled opportunity to introduce newcomers to the service and hobby, whether they’re retired engineers, teenagers with a STEM passion, or curious neighbors.”

Public Engagement and the Spirit of Field Day

As always, weather and physical comfort remain crucial concerns. With late June heat anticipated to be intense, Harrop reminded participants to pack essentials: “Hydration, shade, and sunscreen can make or break your Field Day experience. The more you prepare now, the more you’ll enjoy the magic of the weekend.”

According to the ARRL, clubs are strongly encouraged to treat Field Day as a recruitment platform. Resources to support that goal—including promotional materials, licensing curricula, and ideas for follow-up activities—are available at www.arrl.org/FieldDay. Official merchandise, from T-shirts to site banners, must be ordered by Thursday, June 19 to ensure timely delivery.

“Everyone remembers their first Field Day,” said one Kings County Radio Club organizer. “You don’t need to know Morse code or have a license to feel the energy, the camaraderie, and the sense that what we do really matters.”

Final Preparations

At Floyd Bennett Field, preparations are already underway. Antenna towers are being inspected, emergency power tested, and software systems updated for digital modes like FT8 and PSK31. The field will soon become a dense forest of dipoles, verticals, and Yagis as the final countdown ticks toward the first “CQ Field Day” call.

For updates on the Brooklyn operation and volunteer opportunities, organizers encourage the public to visit www.kingscountyradioclub.com and www.rcreact.org.

Field Day 2025 is expected to once again affirm amateur radio’s enduring relevance—from disaster response to technological innovation to good old-fashioned community building. And in Brooklyn, with the skyline of New York on the horizon and signals bouncing through the ionosphere, the airwaves are already humming.