Tampa nonprofit evacuates Americans from Middle East conflict

The Tampa-based nonprofit Grey Bull Rescue says it saved dozens of Americans from the Israeli-Iranian conflict Tuesday, and has teams deployed across the Middle East as Americans seek ways out of the region amid escalating conflict.

Grey Bull Rescue announced the success of an operation it calls “Chess Master.”

According to the organization, requests for evacuation are increasing as missile and drone attacks intensify and commercial travel routes shut down.

The group stated its personnel are currently positioned in Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with aviation, maritime and ground transportation assets supporting evacuation efforts.

As Americans and allied nationals across the region face growing difficulty leaving conflict zones due to airspace closures and security risks, Grey Bull is trying to keep up with the shifting tide.

Headquartered in Tampa, Grey Bull Rescue is led by U.S. military and intelligence veterans. It specializes in evacuations from conflict zones and disaster areas where traditional government evacuation routes may be limited or unavailable.

Grey Bull Rescue has previously conducted rescue missions throughout the Middle East, including evacuations in Israel and Lebanon during periods of sustained rocket and missile attacks.

In October 2023, Grey Bull operated among Hamas attacks in Israel.

Grey Bull Rescue operates through two entities: Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, a donor-funded nonprofit, and Grey Bull Rescue Group, a for-profit operational arm that conducts civilian extractions when permitted.

The name “Grey Bull” comes from a Vietnam War-era story involving American prisoners of war held at Son Tay prison. During a 1970 rescue attempt, the prisoners had already been moved before U.S. forces arrived. Although the raid did not free them, the prisoners reportedly later said the knowledge that a rescue mission had been attempted strengthened their resolve to survive.

That story informs its operational philosophy when responding to crises involving Americans overseas.

The organization relies on private donations to fund aircraft access, transportation assets and communications systems used during rescue missions. It has conducted over 800 operations globally, including missions in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan and Haiti, saving a reported 8,400 people during thos operations.

The group plans to continue evacuation operations in the Middle East as long as requests for assistance continue.

The founder of Grey Bull Rescue, Bryan Stern, was on a mission when the Catalyst requested direct quotes.