While CAP has long been associated with search and rescue missions, its work also includes disaster relief and communications, as well as counter drug and homeland security missions.
Search and rescues are an important service provided by CAP members. CAP flies 95 percent of all inland SAR missions, as directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Langley AFB, VA. CAP also supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska , Hawaii and Puerto Rico .
On average, each year CAP members fly more than 100,000 hours in operational missions and each year they help save more than 100 lives. In 2003 , CAP saved 142 lives during its search and rescue missions. CAP provides air and ground support for disaster relief, flies government agency officials to remote locations, transports blood or live tissue to critical care sites and performs aerial damage assessment.
CAP has one of the largest unified communications networks in the country, and it is available 24 / 7
In 1986, Congress authorized CAP to assist government and law enforcement agencies in the fight to eliminate illicit drug use, production and sale in the US and its territories. CAP now provides reconnaissance, communications, and transportation for counter drug missions and a Drug Demand Reduction Program with our young people.