A life of service: Dramatic photos from Ambassador Rakolta’s time in the UAE

(Above): Taken on board the USS Harry S. Truman, Ambassador Rakolta visited with U.S. Marines and Navy members on the ship. Standing as tall as a twenty-four story building, the ship can hold more than 90 aircraft at one time.

(Above): Ambassador Rakolta met with United States Secretary of State
Mike Pompeo to brief him on the Pavilion At Expo 2020 in Dubai. In a media interview, Rakolta said, “The U.S. pavilion will showcase how freedom and liberty of thought have enabled success and innovation for American entrepreneurs and innovators.” The event was delayed from October 2020 to October 2021 due to COVID-19.

(Above): Ambassador Rakolta met with His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah. “He took me on a tour of his university, and I am grateful for his passion for education,” Rakolta said. “So many people in the Middle East are focused on education and looking ahead to the future.”

(Above): Ambassador Rakolta, with his wife Terry by his side, was the guest of honor at the 245th Marine Ball, an annual celebration that commemorates the founding of the Marine Corps on November 10, 1775. He was escorted by General Keith Phillips, Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché.

“It was quite a moving experience,” Rakolta said. “We honored the service of the Marines and the phenomenal job they have done serving our nation.”