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3h ago

Pentagon Lifts Suspension and Reinstates Eight South Carolina Apache Pilots

The Pentagon ended a short safety grounding after viral videos of low passes prompted the South Carolina Guard to review the pilots' flight profiles.

The Salute from the Shore military flyover takes place every year on the Fourth of July along South Carolina's beaches. This year, four Apache helicopters flown by airmen from the South Carolina Air National Guard joined the flyover for the first time. The eight helicopter pilots have since been grounded from flight operations while an investigation into potential safety violations during the holiday event is conducted. (Credit: WPDE)
Congressman Russell Fry released a statement following the suspension of eight pilots who flew during last week's Salute to the Shore military flyover. (Credit: Realdanboy)
The Salute from the Shore military flyover takes place every year on the Fourth of July along South Carolina's beaches. This year, four Apache helicopters flown by airmen from the South Carolina Air National Guard joined the flyover for the first time. The eight helicopter pilots have since been grounded from flight operations while an investigation into potential safety violations during the holiday event is conducted. This screen grab was taken from a video shot in Myrtle Beach. (Credit: Eric Vizzini)
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Overview

  • The pilots flew four AH-64 Apache helicopters during the July 4 Salute from the Shore flyover and were temporarily removed from flight duties while the Guard reviewed their flight profiles.
  • Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced on Friday that the suspensions have been lifted and the eight pilots are returned to flying status effective immediately.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly intervened, saying he would “fix this,” and his office followed with the Pentagon statement restoring the pilots.
  • The South Carolina National Guard characterized the removals as routine, non‑punitive administrative safety measures and declined to disclose specific findings or details about altitude or FAA questions.
  • This year’s Salute from the Shore included Apaches for the first time and the incident follows a similar high‑profile helicopter review in March, raising questions about how viral footage, local officials, and political leaders can speed decisions in military flight‑safety reviews.