With Alabama's frequent hurricane encounters, and the images of September 11^th fresh in everyone's mind, it was determined that a US&R team was needed in the Gulf Coast Region. To meet this need, Alabama Task Force 1 team was formed in October of 2001. It provided Alabama with a much needed US&R team, and Mobile's location on the Central Gulf Coast provides an ideal location that ensures a quick response to any emergency situation that may arise in this area. Alabama Task Force 1 is sponsored by the Mobile Fire Department, and the State of Alabama. Alabama Task Force 1 is approximately 70% staffed, and 100% deployable. The Alabama Task Force 1 team is comprised of Search and Rescue Specialist, K-9 Teams, Structural and Mechanical Engineers, Trauma Doctors and Nurses, Equipment Operators, Logistic Specialist, and other Command and Support personnel. Alabama Task Force 1 can be deployed to all 50 states, and can respond to a number of emergencies, such as: Structural Collapse, Swift Water Rescue, Trench Rescue, Rope Rescue, Confined Space, Hazardous Material, and Weapons of Mass Destruction. Alabama Task Force 1 can be on the location of an emergency within hours, and can self sustain themselves through out the deployment. Deployment orders for the team can come from a number of offices and agencies, including the Governor of Alabama, the Alabama EMA office, FEMA, as well as requests from other state and local agencies. Currently the Alabama Task Force 1 team is a state US&R team, but we are working toward becoming a federal certified US&R team.