I am serving as Country Consular Coordinator at the U.S. Diplomatic Mission to South Africa. My team was responsible for the evacuation of private U.S. citizens from South Africa. American tourists and business visitors had been stranded in the country since the government implemented a strict lockdown aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Some of the logistical challenges were daunting — with issues like FAA-mandated crew rest, landing rights on the ground, restrictions being placed here and around the globe on entry of foreign flight crews, as well as on-the-ground restrictions due to the risk of exposures and infections of this pandemic.
Mr. John H. Gimbel IV
Distance Class of 2019
