‘Ham’ Operators Around the World Connect During Oswego Event June 6

OSWEGO – Fred Legawiec built his first amateur (ham) radio and passed the Novice Class ham operator’s license test at age 8. Ever since that day, and now as an Extra Class operator, Legawiec has been talking to other “hams” in locations across the U.S. and around the world, including aboard historic battleships, aircraft carriers and submarines.

On Saturday, June 6, Legawiec will once again connect with these operators from aboard Derrick Boat No. 8 as part of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Festival in Oswego, N.Y. which runs from noon to 4 p.m. in the Port City’s Historic Maritime District. Admission is free.

The festival date coincides with Museum Ships Weekend Event organized by the Battleship New Jersey Amateur Radio Station, an event that places ham radio operators aboard museum ships worldwide with a special call sign to speak to one another.

Area “hams” interested in participating are welcome to set up along the West First Street Pier location in Oswego and operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7. For details, contact Legawiec at [email protected].

More than eighty museum ships from around the world have already registered for the 2026 weekend including historic U.S. naval and seagoing ships such as the U.S.S. The Sullivans in Buffalo, N.Y.; submarines; lightships; icebreakers; a fishing schooner; the RMS Queen Mary oceanliner; and other vessels notable in American and international history. The participant list is updated regularly at this link: Museum Ships Weekend Event.

Legawiec, who also provides radio support to many area events, such as the Syracuse St. Patrick’s Day parade, and during weather and civil emergencies, shared one of his favorite memories: connecting a U.S. Navy veteran with “his ship,” the U.S.S. Wisconsin Iowa class battleship, on the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Oswego.

This year, June 6 marks the 82nd anniversary of the solemn occasion and Legawiec will be stationed next to the H. Lee White Maritime Museum’s LT-5, a National Historic Landmark tugboat used in the 1944 landing of Allied forces at Normandy during World War II. Visitors can learn more about the tug’s storied career during the event.

The family-friendly Lake Ontario Waterfront Festival highlights New York’s maritime history; the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; water recreation opportunities and safe boating practices for people and pets; New York Sea Grant research, education and extension programs; aquatic science; and water conservation.

The festival is sponsored in part by Eagle Beverage and Adventure at Burritt’s Marine and Powersports in Oswego.

For details about the Lake Ontario Waterfront Festival or to learn more about Oswego’s maritime history, go to www.hlwmm.org.

Print this entry