The U.S. government has used the property since the 1960s but in 2007 the Air Force decided it didn't need it anymore and began preparing to return it.
Russia said it withdrew its forces from the island as a “goodwill gesture.” Ukraine said the Russians fled following a barrage of artillery and missiles.
The Ukrainian Navy confirmed Sunday that the 13 border guards were alive, despite initial reporting the group had heroically made the ultimate sacrifice.