With Alabama's frequent hurricane encounters, state leadership determined more US&R teams were needed in the Gulf Coast Region. To meet this need, Alabama Task Force 1 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. Funding also comes from the Office of Domestic Preparedness and the State Homeland Security office. Currently the Task Force is a Type I State US&R team, and has been accredited though EMAP.