USAF Messages
The High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS) is the United States Air Force's primary long-range, worldwide radio network. Operating on High Frequency (HF) radio bands, it leverages the Earth's ionosphere to provide critical, beyond-line-of-sight communication capabilities across continents. This system is essential for command and control, relaying emergency action messages (EAMs), weather updates, and routine communications to military aircraft, ground units, and naval vessels operating anywhere in the world. While portions of these transmissions are often encrypted, some routine traffic and system tests can be heard by shortwave radio enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into global military operations.
Channels
Primary channel
Nighttime only
4.724 MHz
Primary channel
Nighttime only
6.739 MHz
Primary channel
All day
8.992 MHz
Primary channel
All day
11.175 MHz
Primary channel
Daytime only
13.2 MHz
Primary channel
Daytime only
15.016 MHz