**Discover a DXCC Hunter’s Dream: The Marshall Islands and resident DX Man 132DA012 Tom!**
Imagine a remote paradise nestled in the western Pacific Ocean, a place where crystal-clear waters meet pristine beaches, steeped in WWII history and bursting with vibrant Melanesian culture.
That’s the Marshall Islands and it’s in this spectacular, ‘Most Wanted’ location where our Tom resides!
But beyond its postcard-perfect beauty, this archipelago, referenced as 132 division, holds a special allure for DX Hunters around the globe, consistently ranking as one of the most sought-after DXCC entities in Oceania!
Now, the Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is thrilled to introduce you to 132DA012 Tom, hailing from the remote Ratak Chain of this coveted Pacific paradise.
Eager to conquer the challenges of the DX Hunter category, Tom joins the DA-RC in mid-April 2025, ready to share the thrill of the elusive Marshall Islands with the worldwide Freeband community, all under his brand new Delta-Alfa callsign!
But 132DA012 Tom is more than just a DX enthusiast. As a skilled electronics technician and licensed ham with a decade of experience in radio comms, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
Formerly known as 132KX012 on 27 MHz frequencies, Tom is no stranger to the DA-RC, having been a regular QRZ in some of our biggest DXpedition logs.
It’s clear that 27 MHz action is where he truly shines!
Across the Asia Pacific region, Tom is renowned for his professional on-air presence, his ability to articulate complex hobby knowledge, and his easy-going demeanor.
Nestled between Hawaii (17 Division) and the Philippines (79), and neighbouring Wake Island (278), Kiribati (224), Nauru (271), and the Federated States of Micronesia (230), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (132) boasts over 1200 potential island dxstinations!
Picture this: two parallel chains of coral atolls, roughly 200 km apart, stretching for a staggering 1300 km across the northern hemisphere.
Divided into two IOTA references – OC-028 & OC-029 – these paradisiacal islands offer exciting conquests for Island Chasers of all levels.
To the east lie the breathtaking Ratak or ‘Sunrise’ Islands (Knox, Jemo, Taka atolls, and more), while to the west, you’ll find the spectacular Ralik or ‘Sunset’ group (Ebon, Namu, Lib atolls, and others).
Tom calls Majuro, a stunning string of ring-shaped atolls and volcanic islands (many uninhabited), home.
According to the 2025 DA-RC membership directory, Tom resides on ‘Delap-Uliga-Djarrit’, an intriguing locale formed by three islets – Delap, Uliga & Djarrit – recently connected by landfill into one larger landmass.
This “NEW” Delap-Uliga-Djarrit island is part of 64 tiny patches of sand on a spectacular 40 km long coral reef, all sharing the IOTA reference OC-029.
(See: https://www.iota-world.org/islands-on-the-air/iota-groups-islands/789.html)
As the nation’s capital, largest city, and cultural epicenter, Majuro pulsates with life.
Located just north of the Equator, 132DA012 Tom’s tropical rainforest environment fuels his passion for the sea.
Whether he’s wreck diving, outrigger canoeing, fishing for marlin, tuna, and swordfish, or simply relaxing on the beach with loved ones, life is never dull.
Beyond local markets and cultural events, 132DA012 Tom reveals that the Assumption Catholic Church, stunning Laura Beach, the Alele Museum and Public Library, Eneko and Enemanot islands, Arno and Bikini atolls, the Majuro Bridge, Marshall Islands Resort, the Kalalin Pass, and Uliga are popular local hangouts.
Equipped with a Barrett 2050 transceiver, a versatile DSP-based HF SSB transceiver with a 1.6 to 30 MHz frequency range and 500 channels, 132DA012 Tom is ready to hunt DX on 11m!
This rugged rig delivers 125 watts PEP via all common modes and is paired with a Maco V58 antenna, a high-power base station antenna capable of handling 1200 watts on both the 10m and 11m bands.
Mounted high on a mast, this impressive aluminium X aircraft alloy vertical antenna provides excellent omnidirectional coverage, perfect for both local chats and long-distance DX.
132DA012 Tom enjoys connecting with US and Pacific ops on 27.385 LSB (channel 38), but since joining the DA-RC, he’s eager to test his station’s capabilities on the international call frequency, 27.555 MHz USB!
To confirm your contact with 132DA012 Tom’s station, a magnificent QSL card designed by 14DA001 Stef is available.
A contribution of $3.50 US via PayPal is requested for this exchange.
QSL cards are preferred and will be forwarded to Tom at regular intervals by his QSL Manager, 43DA001 Darren.
Welcome Tom in to the DA-RC Familiy.
Wish you a lot of great QSOs with your new callsign around the world.
For me would be a dream to catch you.
73 de 35DA035, Frank