The Coastal Amateur Radio Society was formed in 1977 to further good amateur radio practices, training in amateur radio, and to provide community service. CARS is registered as a Service Club with the Amateur Radio Relay League.
Since its formation, CARS has participated in many civic and community functions by providing either primary or back-up communication for such events/organizations as:
- the G-8 Summit at Sea Island, GA.
- the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- the Tybee Island Marathon
- the MS Bike Rides
- the Flying Fortress 5K run at the Mighty 8th Museum
Many CARS members are also Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) members and are involved with providing communications assistance for the Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), the Savannah Chapter of the American Red Cross, Memorial University Medical Center, Candler and St. Joseph’s Hospitals. We have also participated in many weather related communication activities in support of the National Weather Services.
CARS members were also involved in the B-17 restoration project at the Mighty 8th Museum. We helped to restore the radio compartment of the B-17 ‘City of Savannah’ on display there.
Our members come from every back-ground and are all ages. Some members have been active hams for 50+ years; others are just getting into the hobby. Everyone is welcome.