Apache Pilots Cleared After Low Flyby Over South Carolina Beach, Pentagon Says - Internewscast Journal

The Pentagon said eight Apache helicopter pilots with the South Carolina Army National Guard had their suspensions lifted after a low-altitude flight over a South Carolina beach. The helicopters flew during the July 4 “Salute from the Shore” flyover, and video showed them passing low over beachgoers who recorded and watched the aircraft. The pilots were temporarily grounded, but the Pentagon said the reason for the initial suspension remained unclear, and the Guard did not address specific allegations such as flight altitude or FAA regulations. After public backlash, Rep. Russell Fry said he told Major General Robin B. Stillwell that he viewed the suspension as a “frivolous complaint” response. On Thursday night, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said officials would “fix this,” and on Friday morning his assistant Sean Parnell said the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots was lifted immediately. The Guard had not issued a public statement confirming the change at the time of the announcement.