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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stepped in quickly after reports that the pilots of eight Apache helicopters were suspended following a low-altitude flyover during South Carolina’s “Salute from the Shore” event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Video of the Apache helicopters conducting a low-altitude flyover as beachgoers cheered and waved flags quickly went viral. However, Fox affiliate Fox Carolina reported Thursday that after the pilots landed, they were informed they had been suspended pending an investigation.
Their suspension did not last long. Shortly after news broke of the suspension, Hegseth posted on X, “We’ll fix this. Carry on, Patriots.”
Early the next morning, Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman and senior advisor to Hegseth, announced that “effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted.” Echoing Hegseth, he added, “Carry on Patriots.”
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Fox Carolina reported on Thursday that South Carolina National Guard spokesperson Maj. Lisa Alle clarified the suspension was intended to be temporary and that the pilots remained in good standing with the military.
Alle emphasized to the outlet, “We want to assure the community that a temporary suspension from flight duties is a routine administrative measure whenever a flight profile is under review. This is not punitive.”
While suspended, the pilots were continuing to work and getting paid.
Despite this, the pilots’ suspension outraged many online who expressed anger that they would be under review for participating in a patriotic event.
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Conservative influencer Matt Van Swol posted on X, “WHAT ON EARTH??!!!! The National Guard has just SUSPENDED all 8 pilots of the Apache helicopters that flew on the ‘Salute to the Shore’ flyover across the South Carolina coast. No reason has been given for their suspension. A source says as soon as the pilots landed, they got a message saying they were suspended pending an investigation.”
Another popular influencer who goes by the username Jammles9 reacted, “Are you kidding me?? This was incredible!!”
Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., wrote, “Leave it to a beach Karen to make a frivolous complaint about the most EPIC flyover ever on Independence Day. Newsflash— we LOVED the flyovers!!!”
The congressman added, “These heroes deserve to be CELEBRATED, not chastised. We stand with each of the Apache pilots!”
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In a statement shared with Fox News Digital Friday morning, the South Carolina National Guard confirmed the state adjutant general had lifted the administrative suspension of the eight pilots.
The statement referred to the pilots as “experienced aviators” and noted that returning them to flight status “ensures that the South Carolina National Guard maintains its peak operational readiness and remains fully postured to support both state and federal missions.”
“The South Carolina National Guard’s 59th Aviation Troop Command is an exceptional helicopter unit, renowned throughout the Army and the National Guard for its unwavering commitment to excellence and Soldier safety,” the statement read. “As is the hallmark of any professional organization, the 59th Aviation Troop Command continuously self-examines and critically evaluates its training and operations to ensure that the highest levels of professionalism and safety are maintained.
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“The subject events of July 4th are no exception, as our pilots remain deeply committed to excellence and the highest standards of safety,” the South Carolina National Guard continued, adding, “The South Carolina National Guard appreciates the outpouring of concern and support from our community and state leaders. Go Guard!”
Praise poured in for Hegseth after the decision, with Mike Davis, a former Capitol Hill staffer, posting, “This is why I love Pete.”
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Swol commented, “Really appreciate @PeteHegseth lifting this suspension. My wife and I were on that beach and we watched the flyover with my son… it was absolutely epic. This right here is why I love Pete Hegseth. Thank you @SecWar.”
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