TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) recently marked a significant milestone, surpassing 20,000 lives saved during its history of coordinating search and rescue operations across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The milestone was reached May 28, 2025, during the rescue of two stranded hikers in Boise County, Idaho. In response to a request from the Boise County Sheriff for helicopter support, AFRCC coordinated with the Idaho Joint Operations Center, dispatching an HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 1-183rd Aviation Battalion, Idaho Army National Guard, to bring the hikers to safety.
The rescue was significant, not only for the hikers saved, but because it represented the 20,000th life aided by the AFRCC. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kimberly Mioducki, an AFRCC search and rescue (SAR) controller, said reaching the milestone "serves as a reminder of how every phone call and action on our part contributes to something much more.” Mioducki went on to say, “It is incredibly humbling and reinforces the importance of every single call we answer. This is a milestone we will always remember as we reflect on the efforts and dedication of every person involved.”
Air Force Senior Airman Mariah Dotson, an AFRCC SAR controller, added, "It's a privilege to be part of something bigger than yourself. The reach of the AFRCC extends beyond the military, supporting agencies nationwide and assisting civilians. Knowing we're contributing to saving lives, and that this rescue was a major milestone, reminds us that every life saved is important."
The AFRCC is the sole agency responsible for coordinating federal on-land search and rescue in the 48 contiguous states, Mexico, and Canada. Operating 24/7/365, it is tied directly to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) alerting system and the U.S. Mission Control Center. Its databases contain information on federal and state resources available for SAR efforts across North America.
In 2024, AFRCC handled 13,794 incidents, launching 478 missions and saving 231 lives. The agency resolves 96% of its cases through phone and online investigations, saving an estimated $15.2 million and more than 958,000 work hours by avoiding the need to deploy federal resources.
Beyond responding to emergencies, AFRCC develops and oversees SAR plans, agreements, and policies across the continental U.S. It also trains state and local agencies, along with Civil Air Patrol wings, fostering a network of trained incident commanders.
"Saving 20,000 lives is an incredible achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team," said Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Sealy, AFRCC commander. "While this milestone is significant, it's important to remember that every single life we help save is equally important. Every mission is a unique challenge and we approach each one with the same level of commitment and determination."
AFRCC was established in 1974, consolidating three regional rescue centers into a single facility. The center moved from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, to its current location at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, on March 1, 2007.
"The men and women of the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center perform an amazing mission, day in and day out," said Air Force Lt. Gen. M. Luke Ahmann, Continental U.S. NORAD Region – First Air Force (Air Forces Northern & Air Forces Space) commander. "This milestone is a powerful testament to their dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to saving lives. The cascading effort for families and loved ones is truly remarkable. They are true professionals and a critical asset to our nation."
The AFRCC remains on alert, ready to respond to the next distress call. The 20,000 lives saved represent countless stories of hope and survival and reflect the steadfast responsibility of the team answering every call.