The unit plans, directs, and assesses air operations for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) as the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR), and the United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM), as the operations hub for First Air Force.

The AOC also integrates ground, maritime, and airborne sensors/communications and employs fighter and air refueling aircraft.

The Joint Based Expeditionary Connectivity Center (JBECC) is a highly mobile, small footprint, vehicle-mounted set of communications equipment that can rapidly deploy to build an integrated air picture, from multiple Federal Aviation Administration and tactical radars, within a defined geographical area.

Since 11 September 2001, the JBECC has participated in over a dozen operational missions, to protect the President of the United States, the National Capital Region, the 2004 Group of Eight (G8) Summit, United Nations General Assembly, Space Shuttle Launches, and Super Bowl XLI.

[1] As the United States inland search and rescue (SAR) mission coordinator, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) serves as the single agency responsible for coordinating life saving federal SAR services, ensuring timely and effective lifesaving operations within the 48 contiguous United States and supporting Mexican and Canadian requests for their SAR operations.