Key facts
- Eight South Carolina National Guard helicopter pilots have been returned to flying duties.
- The pilots were suspended after a low-flying sweep over beachgoers during a July 4 event.
- Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced the suspension was lifted.
- The "Salute from the Shore" event is an annual tradition honoring servicemembers.
- South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Rep. Russell Fry publicly supported the pilots.
Eight South Carolina National Guard helicopter pilots have had their flying duties reinstated following a suspension related to a low-flying maneuver over beachgoers during a July 4 event. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced the lifting of the suspension, stating, “Carry on Patriots.”
The suspension was a response to concerns raised after images of Apache helicopters flying at a low altitude over crowded beaches during the “Salute from the Shore” event circulated on social media. This annual tradition, which began in 2010, features military aircraft flying along the South Carolina coastline to honor servicemembers.
Officials from the South Carolina National Guard had previously clarified that the suspension was a routine, non-punitive safety measure during their review of the incident. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had also commented on social media, indicating the Pentagon's involvement in resolving the matter.
Prior to the Pentagon's announcement, South Carolina Republican officials, including Governor Henry McMaster and Representative Russell Fry, had voiced their support for the pilots, suggesting they should be celebrated rather than sanctioned.