I still use it just to keep my ear in it and capable. Just a couple days ago I used CW to make a few contacts in the 7mgz. portion of the band designated for CW into Europe
Morse Code still gets through where voice cannot because of bandwidth. CW is alive and many operators still use it as I do. Those who listen and operate the HF bands know that CW is loaded with activity. Once you learn it, it will always stay with you.
Personally, I'm sorry it is still not a function of the licensing process for HF operation privileges, but time marches on.
The root reason not mentioned of Morse Code requirements for new Hams in the Daily Press release is, that the FCC and ARRL followed the example of first, the Asian countries of limiting the Morse Code requirements to 5wpm for their prospective examinees. Then Europe followed in the Asian footsteps there after allowing their license protocol to allow 5wpm code tests. The US stead fast at dropping the requirement down to 13 wpm from 20 wpm tests and finally 5wpm until recently not requiring code tests. However in the US, the ARRL and FCC required the practical (written) test more difficult by combining the Advanced Class and the Extra Class exams together. In my opinion, this was a good compromise to weed out those not dedicated to the Amateur Service. This decision by the ARRL and the FCC had no baring on the Government decision to discontinue the use of Morse Code for military use. If this were true, there still wouldn't be Morse Code training in the military for back up communications.
This whole process has been taking place since 1995 until recently making it's way to the US Amateur licensing structure
