U.S. Consular Officers assisted in evacuating hundreds from Libya in February 2011 during the civil unrest.

2. Around noon on February
22, 2011, a call came to U.S.
Embassy London asking for
volunteers to help with the
evacuation of hundreds of
people from Libya.

3. Within hours, four U.S. consular officers were on their way to the island of
Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. Two hours after landing, the officers and
the rest of the evacuation team boarded the Maria Dolores ferry and began
the eight-hour journey to the Port of Tripoli, reaching Libya just 21 hours
after receiving the request for evacuation assistance.

4. Over 300 people from the United States and several other countries
welcomed the arrival of the ferry in Tripoli on February 23. They boarded
the ship, but it was unable to leave the port because of poor weather
conditions and high winds.

5. Thanks to good planning by the ferry crew and staff from U.S. Embassies in
Tripoli and Valletta, passengers on the ferry had food, water, diapers, medicine,
and blankets.

6. The officers kept morale high by answering
questions and giving status updates while the ferry
was docked in Tripoli.

7. Teachers on board organized games and
activities for the children, and the
consular officers set up a prayer room.

8. For two days, they were uncertain as to when the ferry would be able to leave
port, and they all worked together to make the best of a tough situation.

9. On February 25, the
weather improved, and
the ferry was able to
leave Tripoli. Despite
some sea sickness,
everyone on board
arrived safely in Malta
that evening.

10. Over the next several days, officers
provided consular assistance, including
meeting evacuees at the airport and
helping Americans and their families get
to the United States.

11. Over the next several days, officers
provided consular assistance, including Secretary Clinton even called to
meeting evacuees at the airport and encourage and congratulate the
helping Americans and their families get staff!
to the United States.

12. During this time, U.S. Embassy London’s consular officers worked with
consular officers from other Embassies to help as many people as possible
get home quickly and safely.

13. Although the evacuation
lasted longer than originally
planned and everyone had
to overcome many
challenges, Embassy
London’s consular officers
were proud to be an integral
part of the operation. They,
together with their
colleagues from other
embassies, helped
hundreds of people escape
to safety in in Malta and
eventually to reunite with
their families. The
evacuation was a successful
and rewarding experience
for those involved.

14. “The most fulfilling experience for me as a Foreign Service Officer is helping
American citizens abroad,” said one officer.

15. “…It was an honor to work with my fellow colleagues on the
evacuation from Libya. We appreciated the positive tone and
support of everyone involved.”

16. The consular officers celebrated the successful evacuation at the
U.S. Embassy in Valletta. Martin Sheen was in Malta and was able
to attend the celebration.