Tampa-Based Greybull Rescue Prepares for Potential American Evacuations as U.S. And Israel Strike Iran
As a major joint military operation between the U.S. And Israel unfolds in Iran, Tampa-based Greybull Rescue is positioning itself to potentially evacuate American citizens from the region. The escalating conflict has already triggered airspace restrictions and disruptions to civilian travel, prompting the veteran-led nonprofit to prepare for mass evacuations.
Escalating Regional Tensions and Travel Disruptions
The U.S. And Israel launched a major joint strike on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, targeting sites across the Islamic Republic, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian [Source: Times of Israel]. Several senior Revolutionary Guards commanders and political officials were as well reportedly killed, including the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, and Iranian defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh [Source: Times of Israel]. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the beginning of “major combat operations in Iran,” stating the campaign aims to prevent a “wicked, radical dictatorship” from threatening U.S. National security [Source: Politico].
These military actions have led to significant disruptions in regional airspace and commercial travel. Greybull Rescue notes that safe exit routes are rapidly diminishing as airspace closures proliferate.
Greybull Rescue’s Preparations
Greybull Rescue, a Tampa-headquartered, donor-funded nonprofit, has deployed teams to Israel, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. The organization is “surging additional resources, manpower, ground assets and aircraft” into the region to prepare for potential evacuations [Source: PBS News].
Founded by Bryan Stern, a veteran of U.S. Special operations and intelligence, Greybull Rescue focuses on rapid response and minimal bureaucracy when traditional evacuation channels are overwhelmed. Stern has previously emphasized the organization’s discretion and small operational footprint [Source: PBS News]. The group has completed over 800 missions globally, including operations in Afghanistan, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Venezuela.
State Department Response and Evacuation Status
As of Saturday evening, February 29, 2026, the State Department had not issued a mandatory evacuation order for all U.S. Citizens in the region. Yet, non-essential personnel were directed to depart from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, and security alerts were issued for Americans abroad [Source: AP News].
Greybull Rescue’s operations are funded by donations, which cover aircraft costs, fuel, ground logistics, security, intelligence support, secure communications, and medical evacuation planning.
The Role of Private Operators in Crisis Evacuations
Commercial aviation typically serves as the primary evacuation pathway during crises. When commercial options become limited, governments may issue advisories, charter aircraft, or coordinate military-assisted departures. Private operators like Greybull Rescue often step in to assist individuals who do not qualify for government extraction or prefer independent arrangements.
The extent of potential evacuations will depend on the evolving conflict. Greybull Rescue is currently positioned in-country, prepared to act if conditions worsen.