Search and Rescue Civil Air Patrol is arguably best known for its search activities in conjunction with Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. CAP is involved with approximately 90% of the inland SAR missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Outside of the continental United States, CAP directly supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. CAP is credited with saving an average of 100 lives per year.
Disaster relief CAP is particularly active in disaster relief operations, especially in hurricane-prone areas such as Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana. CAP air crews and ground personnel provide transportation for cargo and officials. CAP aircrews often provide aerial imagery to emergency managers in order to help them assess damage. In addition, squadrons and Wings often donate manpower and leadership to local, state and federal disaster relief organizations during times of need. In late 2004, several hurricanes hit the southeastern part of the United States, Florida being the worst damaged. CAP was instrumental in providing help to areas that were hit.[7]
Humanitarian service The Civil Air Patrol conducts Humanitarian Service missions, usually in support of the Red Cross. CAP air crews transport time-sensitive medical materials, such as blood and human tissue, when other means of transportation (such as ambulances) are not practical or possible. Following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, all general aviation was grounded. The first plane to fly over the destroyed World Trade Center was a CAP aircraft transporting blood.[7]
Air Force support CAP performs several missions that are not combat-related in support of the United States Air Force. Specifically, this includes damage assessment, transportation of officials, communications support and low-altitude route surveys.[7]
Homeland security As a humanitarian service organization, CAP assists federal, state and local agencies in preparing for and responding to homeland security needs.
Assistance to other agencies The Red Cross, Salvation Army and other civilian agencies frequently ask Civil Air Patrol to transport vital supplies such as medical technicians, medications and other vital supplies. They often rely on CAP to provide airlift and communications for their disaster relief operations. CAP also assists the United States Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.