By David Hoffman, Mission Aviation Fellowship NGO

These are my experiences and observations while using the GATR 1.8 meter antenna on the USNS Comfort mission during the third rotation. This report covers 10 August — 7 September 2007.

HIGHLIGHTS: USNS Comfort from Ecuador through Haiti

1. Civilian – Military Collaboration: This trip provided an opportunity for MAF staff to work alongside the military. Contacts and working relationships were established.

2. General Info: The antenna and related equipment was easily transported via airline from the United States to Peru, and then on return from Haiti. The GATR antenna was used operationally on eleven different days during Rotation 3 of the Comfort Mission.

3. Ecuador: The GATR system was used two and a half days as a replacement for a BGAN unit. It was used for two days on the pier while testing the capability of the SolarFilm BOS solar unit. The last day in Ecuador the GATR system was used to provide WiFi access to the crew.

4. Colombia: The GATR system was used three and a half days to support the mission. Although rain is an issue for the Ku frequency, the system remained usable even during the rain that was encountered.

5. Haiti: Haiti proved to be a challenging location, however we were able to close the link. The GATR system was used two days as a replacement for a BGAN unit.

6. Related Issues: Issues that were related to the antenna had to do with power and then distribution of the network once the GATR was up and running. Going through customs in Miami brought to light a customs form that should have been filled out.