What is the national calling frequency for FM simplex operations in the 2-meter band?

In the 2-meter amateur radio band, 146.520 MHz is established as the national calling frequency for FM simplex operations. Simplex means transmitting and receiving directly on the same frequency, without the use of a repeater. The purpose of a national calling frequency is to provide a common, widely monitored meeting place for hams to establish initial contact. Once a contact is made, the operators should ideally move to a different, less busy simplex frequency to continue their conversation, leaving the calling frequency open for others. It is important to memorize this frequency and avoid confusing it with others in the distractors. For example, 446.000 MHz is the national calling frequency for the 70-centimeter band, not the 2-meter band.