The Pentagon has lifted the suspension of eight South Carolina National Guard helicopter pilots who were grounded after a low-level beach flyover during a Fourth of July event. The decision was announced on Friday morning by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who wrote on social media: "Effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted. Carry on Patriots."
Background of the Incident
The suspension stemmed from the "Salute from the Shore," an annual Fourth of July tradition in South Carolina that honors service members with a flyover of military and vintage aircraft along the state's 187-mile coastline. This year's event, held on July 4, included F-16s from the 169th Fighter Wing, a C-17 from the 437th Airlift Wing, and, for the first time, Apache helicopters, alongside civilian-owned vintage planes like T-34s and T-6s. The Apaches were seen flying at low altitudes over crowded beaches, sparking concern on social media.
Review and Suspension
The South Carolina National Guard launched a review of the event and temporarily suspended the eight pilots from flying duties. Officials clarified that the suspension was "a routine, non-punitive safety measure, not a disciplinary action." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth weighed in on Thursday night, posting on social media: "We'll fix this. Carry on, Patriots."
Political Reactions
South Carolina Republicans criticized the suspension. U.S. Representative Russell Fry, representing the Myrtle Beach area, said the pilots "should be celebrated, not sanctioned." Governor Henry McMaster, who serves as commander-in-chief of the state's National Guard, expressed confidence in the pilots' abilities, noting that guardsmen fly in wartime and "surely, they know how to safely navigate the coast of South Carolina." McMaster's office and the South Carolina National Guard did not immediately comment on whether the governor directly intervened. The Pentagon declined to comment beyond Parnell's statement.
