An Air Force executive jet and aircrew from Joint Base Pearl-Harbor, Hickam, was tasked with landing in North Korea today and picking up an American prisoner who was released by the Pyongyang regime.
Detainee Jeffrey Fowle was released after almost six months on charges that he left a Bible in a nightclub. Associated Press photographers spotted the Air Force aircraft, which appeared by a C-40, at Pyongyang’s international airport.
The Swedish government helped negotiate Fowle’s release.
Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said today that the Air Force crew flew at the request of the State Department “to affect the transportation of Mr. Fowler out of Korea.”
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said North Korea specified a schedule for the American aircraft to come in and pick up Fowle.
The 65th Airlift Squadron at Hickam flies the C-40, which is used to transport leadership and other distinguished visitors.
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