Help Launch the Next Generation of DXpeditioners – Support PJ6Y!
This October, a multi-national team of nine young amateur radio operators will embark on the trip of a lifetime to the island of Saba! For two weeks, signing PJ6Y, they will experience the thrill of working pile-ups, overcoming real-world challenges, and forming what we hope will be life-long friendships.
But every great DXpedition begins with great planning. These young hams are not just going on an expedition — they have been actively preparing through a series of workshops led by some of the world’s most experienced DXpeditioners. From propagation to pile-up management, logistics to licensing, they are learning what it takes to make a DXpedition successful — both on the air and behind the scenes.
Once on the island, the first task will be assembling antennas and stations. PJ6Y will operate three on-island stations, plus two remote stations that will be operated by youth members from YOTA (Youth on the Air). These remote ops are gaining real operating experience and will be eligible to join a future DXpedition team in person.
In fact, four of the young operators heading to Saba were remote team members for the 3D2Y DXpedition to Rotuma last fall — and now they’re stepping up to the next level.
We are well on our way, but we still need your help to reach our fundraising goals. These trips are only possible because of the generous support of individuals and organizations who believe in the future of amateur radio.
👉 Please consider making a donation to support these young hams on this incredible journey. Your support helps cover travel, equipment, licensing, and the once-in-a-lifetime educational experience of DXpeditioning.
Together, we can help ensure that the spirit of DX lives on — and grows stronger — with a new generation of operators.
Donate now!
Help us reach our fundraising goal! Donations can be made in the following ways:
- Website: pj6y2025.com
- PayPal: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- By Check:
Pacific Island DX Group
69 Saddleview Lane
Morganton, GA 30560
The Pacific Island DXpedition Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation. U.S. donors may be eligible for a tax deduction—please consult your tax professional.
73,
The PJ6Y DXpedition Team
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and be part of the PJ6Y story!
Vincent Luiten, PC2Y – PJ6Y Team Member
At 28 years old, Vincent Luiten, PC2Y, from Enschede, the Netherlands, brings over a decade of experience and passion to the PJ6Y team. First licensed as a novice in 2014 and upgrading to a full license in 2016, Vincent follows in the footsteps of his father, who was also a radio amateur.
Vincent’s interest in amateur radio was sparked by both his father and his time in the Boy Scouts. In his early years, he and two close friends—also Boy Scouts—experimented with antennas and radios, eventually earning their licenses together. This trio now forms part of Contest group PA6X, where they continue to explore and experiment with new technologies, particularly in the area of remote operations.
“I’ve always loved the thrill of making contacts, whether in SSB or CW,” Vincent shares. “But what really excites me now is experimenting with remote station setups. I’ve dreamed for years of doing a trip like this, and thanks to the incredible support from our sponsors and the dedication of Gregg in organizing this opportunity, that dream is now becoming a reality.”
“I truly want to thank each and every sponsor and donor who made this expedition possible. Without your generosity, this experience wouldn’t be happening—not just for me, but for the entire team. I can’t wait to get on the air, flip that switch, and hear that first pile-up come roaring in. It’s something I’ve imagined so many times, and now it’s finally within reach. Thank you for making this unforgettable journey possible!”
When he’s not on the air, Vincent leads a team of 25 people in his daily work. He finds joy in working with others and values the deep, honest conversations that help him grow both personally and professionally. “I believe this human connection is just as important as the technical side,” he says. “It’s what makes me a strong team player—someone who can help bring people together.” Vincent’s hands-on approach, technical curiosity, and people-focused mindset make him a valuable member of the PJ6Y team.
Suzan Vink PD3SZN – PJ6Y Team Member
Suzan Vink PD3SZN – PJ6Y Team Member
Suzan, 26, from the Netherlands, has been a passionate radio amateur since the age of 14. She’s been actively involved in numerous youth initiatives within IARU Region 1 and is a proud member of both the Dutch Young Ladies Club (PI4YLC) and the Radio Scouts group (PI4RS), where she’s focused on encouraging youth participation in amateur radio. Suzan enjoys contesting, ARDF, soldering, and working the bands with fellow young operators. This DXpedition marks her first time traveling 7000 km from home, and she’s excited to take on this incredible challenge. Her goal is to inspire other young people to explore the adventure and amazing possibilities of amateur radio.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to operate in such a beautiful and unique setting, Suzan looks forward to making many contacts and thanks to all sponsors and donors who made this incredible experience possible.
Ewan Alexander N7EWN - PJ6Y Team Member.
At just 15 years old Ewan Alexander N7EWN is the youngest member of the PJ6Y team and has accomplished a lot in his short time as a Ham. First licensed at the age of 12 (KK7EXT) he quickly upgraded to General and then Extra following in his older brother's footsteps (KJ7KOJ).
Ewan enjoys chasing DX, Field Day and contesting with his brother and father (W7YED). He was part of a team led by his brother, that placed 3rd WW in the 2024 FT-Challenge and #2 North America in the 2024 WW-DIGI contest.
He has a passion for POTA and SSB, having activated over 50 parks in 16 states. He recently achieved DXCC and is working towards multiple bands. Ewan is learning CW and his interests have recently become more expedition focused after being invited to operate remotely on K8R (American Samoa) and then the 2024 DX-peditions of the year, Jarvis Island (N5J). He is thrilled to be a part of the PJ6Y 2025 expedition, his first in-person expedition.
Ewan is a member of the Western Washington DX Club, Lake Washington HAM club and an ARRL member.
Matúš Nemec, OM8ATE – PJ6Y Team Member
At just 22 years old, Matúš Nemec, OM8ATE, of Košice, Slovakia, represents the next generation of passionate and skilled amateur radio operators. First licensed in 2022, Matúš's enthusiasm for DXing and contesting was sparked by his close friends from HAM community. "Without the help of good people from the community, I would probably never be where I am today in the amateur radio world."
Without space to build a big antennas on his QTH, Matúš embraced remote operation and honed his skills by operating 2 remote stations from RHR system, chasing rare DX and participating in contests across the bands.
His journey into amateur radio youth engagement began with Youth on the Air (YOTA). Through YOTA camps and operating events, Matúš expanded his knowledge, improved his technique, and built lasting connections within the global ham radio community. Matúš was also a member of the 3D2Y DXpedition on Rotuma Island, where he was involved as a remote operator, as well as when operating under the special call VC3YOTA.
"It is these opportunities, such as participating in the YOTA camp or being able to broadcast regularly, either via remote stations or in the radio club, that opened up opportunities for me to get involved in working for the HAM community. Thanks to these opportunities I can now proudly represent Slovakia not only as a DXpedition participant, but also as a POTA program coordinator and OM25ISS project leader. Participating in the expedition is from the fulfillment of a big dream that I never hoped would ever come true. If it weren't for the foundations and sponsors, I definitely wouldn't have made it on this expedition, for which I owe them a huge thank you. I am already looking forward to all the unforgettable moments I will experience during the expedition."
Matúš is currently a student at the University of Prešov, which was successful applicant and realizator of educational radio contact with ISS crew, mainly thanks to Matúš. His blend of operating skill, and enthusiasm make him a valuable asset to the PJ6Y team and a strong representative of amateur radio’s future.
Emilia Butnarasu, YO8YL– PJ6Y Team Member
At just 22 years old, Emilia Butnarasu, YO8YL, originally from Suceava and now based in Bucharest, Romania, is a passionate and driven voice among the new wave of amateur radio operators. Licensed in 2018 at only 15 years old, Emilia took her first steps into the world of radio through a local club in Bucharest. Her fascination with global communication quickly turned into a deep passion—so much so that she made weekly trips between Suceava and Bucharest to learn, operate, and grow within the hobby.
Over the years, Emilia has built a solid presence in the amateur radio scene, participating in major contests such as CQ WPX SSB, CQ WW SSB, IARU HF Championship, and Youth on the Air (YOTA) events. She operated as part of the YQ4M special contest station and recently took part in multiple Parks on the Air (POTA) activations under the special callsign YP0TA. Her POTA activities, both in SSB and CW, have earned her multiple awards. Never one to back down from a challenge, Emilia has also begun learning CW, expanding her operating skills even further.
What truly sets Emilia apart is her love for SSB and the thrill of a good pile-up: “There’s something magical about being at the center of it all — my voice cutting through the noise, one contact at a time.”
Emilia is honored to be joining the PJ6Y DXpedition team and sees it as the culmination of years of dedication, curiosity, and community spirit. “This experience means the world to me. Thank you to our incredible sponsors and donors — your support is the reason this dream is becoming reality.”
Aaron Terentiev KC1SJR – PJ6Y Team Member
Aaron became a licensed amateur radio operator in 2023 and participated in his first Field Day that same year with the Associated Radio Amateurs of Southern New England (W1AQ). He first heard about the PJ6Y DXpedition through Dean Chapman, Vice President of ARASNE, and is honored to be part of the team for his very first DXpedition experience.
Since earning his Technician license, Aaron has actively volunteered as a communications operator at races and public service events across New England—from the bustling springtime Boston Marathon to the frigid, multi-day Can-Am Sled Dog Race in northern Maine.
Outside of radio, Aaron enjoys spending time in nature with friends, hiking through New England’s woods and hills. He is especially looking forward to experiencing the unique beauty of Saba Island.
Professionally, Aaron works in IT consulting for a managed service provider in central Massachusetts.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the PJ6Y team,” Aaron says. “Thank you to all our generous donors and sponsors—your support has made this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.”
Marlee Wymer KC1YBR – PJ6Y Team Member
Marlee is 17 years young, and resides In Dorset Vermont. In August she will move to Ashville North Carolina to begin studies at Warren Wilson College where she will major in Environmental Science. A fourth generation ham, Marlee has always been intrigued by her grandfather’s participation in DXpeditions to far-away and remote locations. Recently licensed, Marlee hopes that amateur radio can compliment her career in Environmental Sciences. Marlee doesn’t have a home station, but enjoys operating her grandfather’s station remotely. Marle is also active with the Dorset Players, a community theater group in her hometown.
Marlee shares “I am very grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of this exciting Dxpedition. Thank you to our sponsors and supporters. Without your assistance this trip would not be possible.
Dominik Huber, DL1DJH – PJ6Y Team Member
One of the team members heading to Saba is Dominik Huber, DL1DJH, from southern Germany. Dominik became a licensed ham radio operator in 2018 at the age of 19, starting with a novice license. Just two years later, in 2020, he upgraded to a full license and quickly discovered his passion for contesting, joining the club station DP7R.
He has a strong interest in antenna building and enjoys experimenting with different operating modes. Eager to improve his skills, Dominik is especially focused on becoming a more proficient CW operator. He also enjoys portable operations with lightweight equipment and aims to participate in many more contests in the future.
Dominik is deeply committed to learning all aspects of the hobby. In 2022, he attended the YOTA Summer Camp in Croatia, where he connected with fellow young operators from around the world. For Dominik, the social side of amateur radio—bringing people together—is one of its most important aspects. This belief led him to start organizing field days alongside his mentor and friend, Waldemar, DL1GWS. Together, they build stations, compete in contests, and continually refine their setups for better performance.
The upcoming DXpedition to Saba represents a major opportunity for Dominik. He's looking forward to meeting other passionate operators, learning how to work effectively with limited equipment, and developing quick problem-solving skills under real-world conditions. He plans to bring this valuable experience back to his future projects and events.
Professionally, Dominik works as a milling machine operator, so arranging two weeks off at short notice wasn't easy. But once the chance to join the PJ6Y team arose, he knew immediately that he had to make it happen. His mechanical expertise will no doubt be an asset to the team on Saba.
For Dominik, being part of this DXpedition is a great honor and a personal highlight in his amateur radio journey. He is truly grateful to all the sponsors and donors who made this opportunity possible.
George Ionuț Lung, YO9LIG – PJ6Y Team Member
At just 23 years old, George Ionuț Lung, YO9LIG, from Bucharest, Romania, represents the new wave of enthusiastic and dedicated amateur radio operators. Licensed since 2018, George has been fascinated by the magic of radio from a young age, but it was after meeting a group of local radio amateurs that his passion truly took off, motivating him to get his license and become actively involved in the hobby.
George is an avid operator with a strong interest in Parks on the Air (POTA), DXing, and contesting. Beyond on-air activities, he enjoys experimenting with antennas and homebrew electronic projects, constantly exploring the technical side of amateur radio.
Over the years, George has been actively involved in promoting amateur radio to young people, participating in presentations and youth-focused events, as well as competing in YOTA contests where he developed his operating skills and teamwork abilities.
“I am very grateful to be part of this team and I want to sincerely thank all our sponsors for making this DXpedition possible,” says George.
Currently, George works as an electronics technician in an RF laboratory, where he applies and sharpens his technical skills daily. His energy and enthusiasm make him a valuable member of the PJ6Y team and a promising representative of the future of amateur radio.