Tampa-Based Grey Bull Rescue Recognized for Dangerous Rescue Missions

The organization has conducted over 800 operations to extract Americans from global hotspots.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Grey Bull Rescue, a Tampa-based organization, was recognized by the Tampa City Council for its daring and dangerous rescue operations, including a recent mission to extract Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado from her home country. The group's leader, Bryan Stern, described the risks involved in operating off the coast of Venezuela, where the U.S. Navy was conducting airstrikes. Grey Bull Rescue has now completed over 800 missions, saving more than 8,000 Americans from conflict zones around the world.

Why it matters

Grey Bull Rescue's work highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by Americans trapped in volatile regions globally. The organization's recognition by local officials underscores the importance of having capable teams ready to respond to crises and extract citizens from harm's way.

The details

In December, Grey Bull Rescue was involved in a high-risk operation to bring Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado out of the country, where she had been in hiding to avoid arrest by the Nicolás Maduro regime. Grey Bull Rescue's leader, Bryan Stern, was part of the team that conducted the extraction, describing the environment off the Venezuelan coast as "pretty scary" due to U.S. Navy airstrikes in the area.

  • In December, Grey Bull Rescue conducted the operation to extract María Corina Machado from Venezuela.
  • Not long after the Machado rescue, a team of U.S. Special Forces operators captured and arrested Nicolás Maduro at his home.

The players

Grey Bull Rescue

A Tampa-based organization that has conducted over 800 operations to extract Americans from dangerous situations around the world, saving more than 8,000 people.

Bryan Stern

The leader of Grey Bull Rescue who was involved in the operation to extract María Corina Machado from Venezuela.

María Corina Machado

A Venezuelan opposition leader who was in hiding in her home country to avoid arrest by the Nicolás Maduro regime.

Nicolás Maduro

The president of Venezuela whose regime was targeted by Grey Bull Rescue's extraction operation.

Luis Viera

A Tampa City Council member who recognized Grey Bull Rescue for their work.

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What they’re saying

“We need to remember this is a time where the U.S. Navy was dropping ordinance on boats off the coast of Venezuela. Let me tell you, it is pretty scary to be in a boat off the coast of Venezuela.”

— Bryan Stern, Leader of Grey Bull Rescue

“Over 800 missions, saving over 8,000 Americans from places ranging from Afghanistan, to Haiti, to Ukraine to Israel, to Lebanon to Syria to Gaza.”

— Luis Viera, Tampa City Council Member

“There are a lot of bad people in Venezuela, lots of really, really bad actors. The current regime is in play with the cartels.”

— Bryan Stern, Leader of Grey Bull Rescue

“Venezuela, we need to remember the fight is not over.”

— Bryan Stern, Leader of Grey Bull Rescue

What’s next

Not long after the Machado rescue, a team of U.S. Special Forces operators captured and arrested Nicolás Maduro at his home, though Stern said more needs to be done before Venezuela is a free and democratic society.

The takeaway

Grey Bull Rescue's daring and dangerous rescue missions, including the extraction of a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, underscore the ongoing challenges Americans face in volatile regions globally. The organization's recognition by local officials highlights the critical role private groups can play in responding to international crises and protecting U.S. citizens.