The Battleship “G. Averof” Amateur Radio Station Opens Its Frequencies to
the World – 6 & 7 December 2025
In the context of the festive celebrations for Saint Nicholas, Patron Saint
of the Hellenic Navy, as well as the anniversaries of the historic Naval
Battles of Elli and Lemnos, the Floating Naval Museum Battleship “G.
Averof” is reactivating its historic Amateur Radio Station.
For two days, 6 and 7 December, the ship’s frequencies will come alive
under the callsigns SZ1GQTC and SZ1AB, echoing the era when the “Lucky Ship
of the Nation” transmitted messages of victory, freedom, and hope across
the Aegean and beyond.
Amateur radio operators from around the world will have the opportunity to
communicate with the ship and receive an official QSL card—bearing the
stamp of history and the details of their unique contact with the legendary
battleship.
Communications will take place via Morse code (CW), voice, and digital
modes, in accordance with international regulations and established amateur
radio practice.
As a special highlight of the celebrations, a commemorative message will be
transmitted in RTTY on 7.043 MHz (+/-) on both days at 12:00.
Those who receive the message and forward it to the ship’s postal address
will receive a commemorative item free of charge, signed by the Commanding
Officer—a small tribute to the enduring bond between the ship and all who
love the sea.
The historic wireless room and the operating space of the Amateur Radio
Station will be open to visitors in accordance with the Museum’s visiting
hours.
From the Balkan Wars to the present day, Averof has used three distinct
callsigns—GQTC, SYA, and SZAB—each marking a chapter in the ship’s journey
through the 20th century. Today, the new callsigns SZ1GQTC and SZ1AB
proudly continue this tradition, linking past and present through the
airwaves.
The Battleship “G. Averof” invites all friends of naval history and the
amateur radio community to take part in this unique experience—where
History does not remain silent, but continues to transmit.
