Ellsworth's aircrew flight equipment first to implement CSEL radios in B-1 Bomber

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Airmen from the 28th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment shop help enhance aircrews' capabilities with a new device they are currently testing -the Combat Survival/Evader Locator.

The new communication system provides aviators with the ability to transmit secure digital global positioning system derived location information in addition to keyed-in and scanned messages.

"CSEL radios will allow search and rescue forces to receive messages from anywhere in the world," said Staff Sgt. Justin McEldowney, 28th OSS aircrew flight equipment technician. "Rescue forces will then be able to locate, authenticate and communicate with downed Airmen."

Aircrew flight equipment technicians perform tests and input necessary data into the radios before distributing them to aircrew members. This safeguards the radios so that, should an incident occur, the aircrew can to use the radios rapidly and efficiently.

"Just like we do with all flight equipment, we are responsible for checking the equipment and ensuring these radios function properly with correct information and data," McEldowney said. "We hope these radios won't have to be used but in case they do, we make sure they are ready to go."

Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Garcia, 28th OSS aircrew flight equipment superintendent, added that Ellsworth Air Force Base is the first B-1 unit Air Force-wide to use CSEL radios.

"These CSEL radios increase the safety of our aircrew members and we are proud to be an integral part in ensuring these radios are accurately operating," Garcia said. "It could be the difference between life and death."