We had a great showing on the world stage

LOL yes , if a ham takes his HF mobile gear with him he ( or she) can literally talk to the world if the bands are open. The rules have changed considerably since I got my license in 1977. Morse code is no longer a requirement . Where it took at least a month or more to get all the theory and code speed up, some can get enough to pass the basic license in a weekend in Canada.. I would think it is much the same in the US. Back before there were satellite communications I chatted with some fellows at the South Pole research station from my mobile in my truck at the time.

Excellent discussion guys. You brought up a subject often overlooked. Some options : PLb's Personal Locator Beacon...are the go to emergency device that transmit signal and gps locator to SAR's.... Search and rescue,,,155.160MHz. That being said my friend got a HAM license and that was cheaper and reliable in wilderness especially since he could talk and not declare an emergency. Moreover, ham radio's can operate Simplex...direct transmission without need of infrastructure support. It’s important to note that emergency frequencies (there is a list of them) aren’t just for professional rescuers and emergency workers; they can also be used by ordinary citizens who are equipped with the appropriate radio equipment. Follow proper guidelines and protocols when using these frequencies to ensure that communication lines remain clear and efficient for all parties involved. Also in an emergency remember the rule of three....three fires, three flashes, three shots. And of course " dot-dot -dot dash -dash- dash dot -dot dot " (SOS signal) in the snow or on the ground visible from above.