The Alaska Pacific Net is one of the oldest emergency traffic handling nets on amateur radio. The net originated in 1964 during the aftermath of the great Alaska earthquake known as the Good Friday Earthquake.
The net meets on 14.292 MHz in the 20 meter ham band, Monday-Friday at 0830 Alaska Time (1730 UTC). This changes to 1630 UTC during daylight savings time. The "AP Net" originated as a result of the Good Friday Earthquake that struck Alaska in 1964 when all normal means of communication were wiped out, and ham operators provided a vital link to the rest of the world during that time. Why the frequency of 14.292 was chosen is not exactly known; however, after the quake the frequency became a gathering place for Alaskan hams to meet with other operators in the Lower 48. This frequency became the place to get traffic passed to Alaska. The group of hams meeting on the frequency in the mornings grew so large it was decided a roll call was warranted.
The Alaska Department of Emergency Services recognized the importance of the service provided by Alaskan hams during an emergency! They have supported net by printing and mailing the monthly rosters to the net controls. The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management still provides support to the net with this important service. Over the years the net has grown tremendously and now boasts over 100 members, with an average of 60 check-ins each morning. It is still the first choice for Lower 48 stations to get traffic passed into Alaska. Fortunately, there have been no major disasters in Alaska in recent years, but when the need arises again, the Alaska‑Pacific Emergency Preparedness Net will be there.