A crowd of people walk in front of a plane.

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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A man hugs another man next to a woman.

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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A woman hugs two girls.

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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  • A crowd of people walk in front of a plane.

    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)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • A man hugs another man next to a woman.

    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)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • A woman hugs two girls.

    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)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Americans released from Russian custody arrive at Joint Base Andrews

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jimmy Nguyen
  • 316th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AFNS) --  

A man and woman hug while two people look on.

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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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, Aug. 1.

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.