Just received from the NH8S Team:
August 22, 2012
Press Release
The leaders are happy to report that the DXpedition cargo has arrived in American Samoa. The international team of 20 operators are excited about this tent and generator operation. The island ranks number 31 in the DX Magazine most wanted list. Swains is about one mile in circumference has only five permanent residents and no infrastructure.
The team will be running seven stations from 6 to 160 including 60m. They will be on CW, SSB and RTTY around the clock for 14 days. Great emphasis will be in working European stations. Plans are to update logs on a daily basis by satellite phone. Because there is no regular internet service, the team will have two pilot stations. Valerie, NV9L will be the North American pilot while Col, MM0NDX will do the honors for Europe. They and John, K6MM, our webmaster, will be the only contact to the team for their 14 day stay.
Due to changes in airline flights, they are now scheduled to depart American Samoa on Sept 4, for the 23 hour boat ride to Swains. Everything will then be off loaded and taken ashore by a small boat. Along with the radio equipment, antennas, food, and tents, are 19 drums of gasoline for the seven generators.
The team of highly experienced DXers, contesters and Dxpeditioners are 9V1FJ, AA4NN, DJ2VO, DL3DXX, K5AB, K9CS, K9CT, K9NW, N2TU, N4HH, N6HC, N6HD, NA6M, ND2T, SM5AQD, W6KK, W8GEX, W8HC, W8TN and WB9Z. There have been several requests to listen into the general band, so please listen to the operator’s instructions.
We are most grateful to NCDXF, INDEXA, and all clubs and individuals who have supported us. Like all major DXpeditions today, this is a very expensive trip. Total costs are estimated to be $200,000. Each member has paid $8000, plus his cost to get to American Samoa. Anyone who wants to help, can go to our website, www.nh8s.org and click on the donations link. We are most appreciative to any and all DXers that contribute to help defray the cost of the trip.
OQSL will be available on the website for your convenience. QSL manager for cards is Joe Blackwell AA4NN, and requests should be sent to him at:
Swains Island DXpedition
P.O. Box 5005
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
USALoTW will be posted six months following the DXpedition.
We would like to give special thanks to our support crew who has worked very hard for us. They include DL9RCF, I8NHJ, K6MM, MM0NDX, N1DG, N4XP, N7CQQ, NV9L, W6XA, W8AEF, W8CAA and Margarett Blackwell XYL of AA4NN.
The website www.nh8s.org provides more details.
CU in the pileups!
And don’t forget to sign our Guestbook — just click on the Coconuts!
Craig K9CT
Joe W8GEX
Co Leaders
We remind that for MDXC Members will be soon available the requesting system for the NH8S QSL-card.
XT2MD Burkina Faso
3B9DJ Rodrigues 
IZ8BGY
The team has assembled in PPG and we are staying at the Westwind. In a couple of hours the team will be transported to the boat and we will leave for Swains Island.
The trip is 24 hours. We are timing the arrival for high tide to ease entry to the island.
So far, so good. Much has been done on the island for us and we will be able to set up antennas soon after arrival. Not sure when we will be able to get on air until we get there. There is much to be done while it is daylight.
Thanks for your support.
For the team,
73,
Craig K9CT and Joe W8GEX co leaders for NH8S
IZ8BGY
The team is on the island now and starting to put together the antennas and stations. Unfortunately, Juergen Borsdorf (DJ2VO) sustained a leg injury on board the ship, and was forced to return to American Samoa the receive addtional medical treatment. The weather is very hot and humid, but everyone is in good spirits. Operation is expected to begin Thursday, September 6 around 2000 UTC. (John, K6MM)
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