[FedCom] DOE Transportation Safeguards Division Radio Communications?

[Ken]

Remember during the 1980's/perhaps early 1990's how various hobby magazines 
were publishing information about HF networks being used by DOE 
Transportation Safeguards Division.

Well NONE of the nationwide hobby monitoring magazines (e.g."Popular 
Communications, "Monitoring Times", "Scanning USA"), appears to have 
recently published anything about these nuclear weapons/materials 
transporters.  Again perhaps this is due to the very sensitive nature of 
this activity as it relates to homeland security.

Some interesting aspects regarding nuclear materials production, storage, & 
transporation can be found at the following public websites via a google's 
search using the term "DOE's Transportation Safeguards Division"

http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/facility/doe.htm  A list of current & 
closed DOE nuclear facilities.  Extensive information on most installation, 
including some photos, etc.   Check out the different installations listed 
for specific information.

http://www.sandia.gov/LabNews/LN02-25-00/tractor_story.html  Real 
interesting story on the NEW transport truck "DOE Armored Transporter" that 
was developed by the lab including a photo etc.  Don't miss this site!!!

http://www.milnet.com/safegrd.htm  SafeGard System to include a list of 
known? nuclear transport accidents.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/facility/doe.htm  Check out the DOE 
Courier section paragraph on the webpage.

http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:czpQYIgWJsIJ:www.aliciapatterson.org/APF0403/Wolf/Wolf.rtf+DOE%27s+Transportation+Safeguards+Division&hl=en   
--  Here's a pretty good story "On The Road With Plutonium"

http://www.ntp.doe.gov/pmp98/  DOE Transportation Plan, dated info 1998 but 
may give an idea to the various DOE offices/locations.

http://www.state.nv.us/nucwaste/trans/jballard.htm  Yucca Mountain storage & 
transportation study.

Additional advanced search
http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/doctrine/dod/p45405m.htm  Check out 
chapter 3, Transport Activities
http://twilight.saic.com/newtec/wipigcmp.html  Railroad transportation
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0JCA/is_1_10/ai_76334011#continue 
"Combat Edge" magazine article on nuclear security.
http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:2GRizF4TPUcJ:dels.nas.edu/radwaste/docs/m8/brochman.pdf+Nuclear+Transportation+%2B++%22Safe+Haven%22&hl=en 
Nuclear Fuel transportation routing


So what are the current frequencies being used?  Perhaps most are encrypted 
because of the sensitive nature of this work. From a communications 
monitoring aspect, my theory (WAG!) is that when these armored truck 
transporters are in transit there's probably 3 levels of  radio 
communications:

First there would be the "tactical level" among the actual tranporter and 
the security detail in the convoy.  Perhaps at least two security vehicles 
(based upon the potential security threat -- probably more escorts than pre 
"9/11") in addition to the tranporter.  Most likely strict communications 
security discipline is being employed -- in other words no "small talk" over 
the VHF/UHF radios.   I would assume that the security detail also has a 
means of summoning local/county/state law enforcement agency assistance. 
It's unclear to me whether state/county/local authorities are aware of these 
movements beforehand

Secondly, there's probably both security & location sensors that constantly 
communicate (via satellite &/or cellular sites) with the control center 
first indicating the location of the convoy (individual vehicles), as well 
as the security status of the cargo.  At this level each vehicle may also 
have a so called "panic" alert button that can be immediately pressed in the 
event of any problem to immediately alert the control center.   (Basically 
many of the large trucking companies have these type of systems installed 
already).

Thirdly, there would be a backup communications system, perhaps HF SSB 
(sensor status also?), satellite, or even just cellphones (with access to 
any available cellsites, any carrier).

For other types of nuclear materials transportation e.g. nuclear waste, it's 
unclear to me as to what communications & security requirements are now 
required BUT I'd assume that for the most part any escort vehicles would 
probably be using low powered portable w/t's in the business band with 
cellphone capabilities to summons local aid.

Potential frequencies can be found in the following frequency directories:
1.  Kneitel's "The 'Top Secret' Registry of U.S. Government Radio 
Frequencies" 8th edition (1993), currently out of print.  There's  2 1/4 
pages specifically listing many Department of Energy facility locations 
(approximately 22 facilities with many frequencies listed) as well as 
potential (approx 45) nationwide VHF/UHF frequencies.
2.  Grove Enterprise's "Federal Frequency Directory" 2nd edition (CD-ROM), 
also lists appoximately 17 HF frequencies & 433 potential VHF & UHF 
frequencies that could be utilized by DOE.

Locally the only experience we've had is about 7 to 10 years ago, a truck 
carrying nuclear waste on Interstate 91 South, on the elevated bridge area 
in downtown Springfield MA was hit head on by a drunk driver vehicle heading 
north in the wrong lane early one morning.  The vehicle cab caught fire & 
the intensity/heat actually burned a hole in the concrete roadway.  The 
vehicle, trailer & waste was cleaned up and initially transported (somewhat) 
secretly to a hanger on Westover Air Reserve Base, which caused a bit of a 
political storm since the local/state government wasn't notified beforehand 
of the transportation & storage.

Perhaps there's folks on the list that have actually had some close 
encounters or monitored these transportation activities that might want to 
share it with the group or privately??

Ken
Springfield MA Monitoring Area