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Northern Command, through the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC), is the federal agency responsible for coordinating aviation search and rescue activities in the continental United States. AFRCC also provides search and rescue assistance to Canada and Mexico. Besides coordinating actual SAR missions, the AFRCC is active in formulating SAR agreements and plans and policy for the inland area. Various levels of SAR advocacy are conducted by the AFRCC to benefit the SAR community. AFRCC functions 24/7/365 and is manned by people trained to coordinate search and rescue operations. A comprehensive resource file in the center lists federal, state and local organizations which conduct or assist SAR efforts. In addition, the center maintains rosters of Canadian and Mexican SAR coordinating agencies. When the AFRCC receives a call, it is treated as an actual distress situation until proven otherwise. As the incident is investigated, a number of criteria are evaluated and include such considerations as State SAR Agreements, Posse Comitatus Act, Medical evaluation, conflict of interest, resource availability, urgency of situation. Once the use of federal resources is authorized, a mission number is assigned and SAR forces are selected based on the geographical location and specific mission and resource requirements. The AFRCC coordinates closely with the responsible agency in an attempt to provide resources best suited to accomplish the mission.

Lt Col Brian Scott
AFRCC Director of Operations