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Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, left, embraces his sister, Elizabeth Whelan, after being welcomed by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 1, 2024, following his release from Russian custody. Whelan's release, along with that of two other Americans and an American green-card holder, was facilitated by diplomatic efforts involving multiple allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Isaac March)
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Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, right, embraces his mother, Ella Milman, after being welcomed back to the U.S. at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 1, 2024, following his release from Russian custody. It took roughly 14 hours and two flights to return to the U.S. from Russia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Bridgitte Taylor)
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President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and family members of three Americans returning to the U.S. after release from Russian custody walk toward the media pool at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 1, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Walderbach)
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Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan embraces President Joe Biden, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 1, 2024, following his release from Russian custody. Whelan, 54, had spent almost six years in Russian prisons after his arrest in 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Bridgitte Taylor)
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President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and 89th Airlift Wing leaders walk with family members of American citizens returning from Russian custody at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 1, 2024. The Americans were released as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between the U.S., Russia and approximately six other countries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Bridgitte Taylor)
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Alsu Kurmasheva hugs her daughters at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 1, 2024. Kurmasheva returned to the U.S. after being detained in Russia since October 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Isaac March)
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Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan salutes at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 1, 2024, stepping onto U.S. soil following his release from Russian custody. Whelan was released as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between the U.S., Russia and approximately six other countries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Bridgitte Taylor)
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Pavel Butorin, center, raises his arms in celebration as his wife, Alsu Kurmasheva, hugs their daughters, Miriam and Bibi Butorin, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 1, 2024. Kurmasheva returned to the U.S. after being detained in Russia since October 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Isaac March)
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Evan Gershkovich embraces a media member at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 1, 2024, following his release from Russian custody. Gershkovich expressed gratitude to his friend for taking care of his family during his imprisonment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Walderbach)
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President Joe Biden addresses media after welcoming three U.S. citizens returning from Russian custody at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 1, 2024. The prisoner swap was the culmination of diplomatic negotiations between the U.S., Russia and approximately six other countries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Walderbach)
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Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is surrounded by media and colleagues upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 1, 2024. His return, along with fellow Americans Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, underscores the successful diplomatic prisoner exchange negotiations between the U.S. and its allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Isaac March)
By 2nd Lt. Jimmy Nguyen / Published Aug. 2, 2024
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md.,
Three Americans released from Russian custody were greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and reunited with their family members upon arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Thursday.
Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva landed at approximately 11:40 p.m. EST. Following the arrival, they spent time speaking with the president and vice president and reconnecting with family prior to departing for San Antonio, Texas.
After the success of the multinational diplomatic negotiations early Thursday, Joint Base Andrews sprang into action. Members of the 89th Airlift Wing and 316th Wing coordinated logistics, security, and support functions to prepare America's Airfield for the arrival.
With less than a day’s notice, Joint Base Andrews ensured the success of this historic mission, underscoring the base’s role in serving as a focal point for national and international missions. The base’s capability to rapidly mobilize resources and coordinate complex missions reinforces its readiness to respond anytime, anywhere.
