# Air Force and Navy have bought thousands of the hand-held unit since it became fully operational in 2009.

*fintech · news · 2026-04-06 · Spokane Spokesman-Review*

## Key points

- The rescued airmen used the Boeing Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) device to signal their location.
- CSEL enables secure two-way satellite data messaging and precise GPS for personnel recovery missions.
- The CIA used unique technologies and human assets to locate the injured airman in mountainous terrain.
- The rescue operation was coordinated by the Pentagon’s Joint Personnel Recovery Center after confirmation of active rescue beacons.

**Companies:** Boeing Co.
**Countries:** Iran, United States

[Read the full story on Spokane Spokesman-Review](https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/apr/06/injured-us-airman-in-iran-used-boeing-device-to-si/)

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