The Pacific Islands DXpedition Group in partnership with Youth on the Air (YOTA) is proud to introduce the VK9XY Christmas Island DXpedition team.

The team brings together young operators from around the world, each contributing unique skills, experience, and enthusiasm. Every team member has been assigned an area of responsibility, giving them the opportunity to take an active role in planning, preparing, and executing the expedition.

From station design and antennas to logistics, technology, operating strategy, and team coordination, VK9XY is a hands-on learning experience. Our goal is not simply to put a rare entity on the air, but to give these operators the knowledge, confidence, and experience to lead major DXpeditions in the future.

Max Freedman N4ML grew up in Charleston, South Carolina and is the leader of the VK9XY Dxpedition. Licensed at age 12 in 2016, he quickly discovered DXing and contesting, developing a lifelong passion for all aspects of amateur radio. Max has already gained significant experience, participating in the 2025 PJ2 Youth DXpedition, the 2026 3Y0K Bouvet Island DXpedition, and competing in WRTC 2026. He also serves as a Director on the Board of the Northern California DX Foundation. Professionally, Max works with the ARRL Education department, developing resources that bring amateur radio into classrooms and inspire students. VK9XY represents another opportunity to combine his passion for DXpeditioning with his commitment to the future of amateur radio.

Urgent Jere, 19, is a Malawian amateur radio operator known as 7Q6UJ and also holds a U.S. Extra Class license, W4UJ. He discovered amateur radio through Don Jones, K6ZO/7Q6M, during the CQWW SSB DX Contest and quickly developed a passion for CW and contesting. He has competed in CQWW twice, as 7Q1 in 2024 and 7Q1A in 2025. Urgent is an officer of the Malawi Amateur Radio Society, a member of CWOPS, PVRC, and ARRL, and a Volunteer Examiner. He is a first-year Computer Engineering student, and he is passionate about technology and engineering. This DXpedition offers Urgent an extraordinary opportunity to develop technical skills, travel internationally, and learn alongside other young operators.

Tyler Schroder, NT1S, is an Amateur Extra Class operator from Maryland and a member of the VK9XY team. Introduced to amateur radio by his uncle in 2021, Tyler quickly became active with Yale’s W1YU club, managing its Earth-Moon-Earth station and supporting the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program. He served as CARP student lead at Dayton Hamvention and is treasurer of the Vienna Wireless Society (K4XY). VK9XY marks his first major DXpedition. Passionate about youth development, Tyler has led Volunteer Examiner teams for K4XY, Youth on the Air, and WY4RC, helping more than 300 people earn licenses. He is currently a PhD student studying Data Privacy at Dakota State University and a three-time ARDC scholarship winner.

Connor Black, W4IPC, was licensed in 2018 at age 15 and quickly developed a passion for contesting and DXing through mentorship from accomplished contesters and membership in the Potomac Valley Radio Club. Today, Connor enjoys all aspects of amateur radio, from satellites to the low bands. He participated in the 2025 PJ2 Youth DXpedition, has supported the W3AO Field Day operation for several years, and competed in WRTC 2026. Connor brings valuable contesting and DX experience to the VK9XY team. Professionally, he is a live audiovisual technician, supporting major events at venues including the United Nations and other locations across the country. 

Lukas Bartkus, LY7J, combines technology, competition, and adventure through amateur radio. Licensed in 2018 as LY1LB, he quickly developed a passion for HF contesting, earning strong results in international competitions. His interests have expanded to DXpeditioning, station engineering, antenna systems, and remote station technology. A professional photographer specializing in major sporting events and international productions, Lukas served as an official photographer at WRTC 2026. VK9XY will be his second major DXpedition, following 3D2Y Rotuma, where he served as both operator and team photographer. At VK9XY, Lukas brings these roles together, documenting the people, technical challenges, adventure, and shared experiences behind the expedition.

Máté Péter Tóth, HA1TMP, is a 22-year-old Hungarian amateur radio operator whose passion for contesting began in 2023 after discovering ham radio through his mentor, HA1TNX. He quickly developed his skills through YOTA activities, contests, and operating at the HA6PX station, becoming an accomplished CW operator and proud member of the HA1KHJ contest team. His achievements include third place in the 2025 YOTA Contest and first place in the 2025 CQ WPX CW Contest Rookie category. A participant in YOTA Camps in 2024 and 2026, Peter sees VK9XY as a unique opportunity to further develop his skills and gain valuable DXpedition experience.

Hagi JJ1AHS is a young Japanese amateur radio operator with a strong passion for HF contesting, DX, and developing the next generation of radio operators. Licensed since middle school, Higa has become an accomplished contester, achieving outstanding results in major international competitions. Operating both CW and SSB, he has earned top Japanese, Asian, and world-level Youth Overlay results, including a World #1 Youth result in the 2025 CQ WW DX SSB Contest. Hagi is also active in Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) and the Youth Contesting Program, sharing his experience through presentations and mentoring. I am excited to join the VK9XY team for my first major DXpedition. I look forward to learning from experienced operators, gaining hands-on experience, making thousands of contacts, while contributing to a young team that is helping shape the next generation of DXpedition operators.

Glenn Johnson W0GJ and Gregg Marco join the team as advisors.

We currently have one opening on the team for a young operator. Please contact Max N4ML This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  if you would like to recommend a young ham for this once in a lifetime experience.

How You Can Support Us

Fundraising is under way, with the goal of covering the costs for our young operators. We have a way to go but with your support we will get there.

Donations can be made by PayPal to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by check payable to:

PACIFIC ISLANDS DXPEDITION GROUP

69 Saddleview Lane

Morganton, GA 30560

For more details, visit our website at vk9xy2026.com.

Thank you in advance for your support, your next contact might just be with a young operator running the pile-up, not just working it, for the very first time!