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

Staff Sgt. Justin McEldowney, 28th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, performs an operations check on a Combat Survival Evader Locator radio at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., June 25, 2015. The 28th Bomb Wing is the first B-1 unit in the Air Force to use this device, helping to enhance aircrew search and rescue capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

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

Staff Sgt. Justin McEldowney, 28th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, places a Combat Survival Evader Locator radio into a radio set adapter at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., June 25, 2015. The adapter, when hooked up to a computer, allows information and data to be programmed into the CSEL radios and later transmitted to aircrews flying within areas of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

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

Published July 22, 2015
By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- 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."