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PMEL enhances mission readiness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Gena Armstrong
  • 20th Fighter Wing/ Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory, or PMEL, is an environmentally controlled workshop where Airmen calibrate and maintain all types of professional equipment.

Nearly every organization on base employs the expertise of these technicians, giving the Airmen there the opportunity to work on everything from sensitive, high-wattage electronics to heavy mechanical aircraft support equipment. 

According to Master Sgt. Don Cowell, chief of the Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment flight within PMEL, the technicians initially train for nine months and attend specialty courses throughout their careers to gain the knowledge base and proficiency needed to work on the wide variety of equipment. 

Shaw's PMEL is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with special calibration equipment that other bases do not have, said Master Sgt. Cowell. Many bases across the east coast send their equipment here for servicing. 

 "Almost all organizations on base at some point come to the PMEL for some type of support," explained Master Sgt. Cowell. "It feels good when you're out there and you get to see what they're actually working on, what they use this equipment for and to know that you played a part in it... It's great".