Eight South Carolina National Guard Apache pilots, who were suspended following a low-altitude flyover during a July 4th event, have been reinstated, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced Friday. "Effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted," Parnell posted on social media. "Carry on Patriots."
The pilots had been suspended pending an investigation after a viral video showed their helicopters making a low pass over cheering crowds during the "Salute from the Shore" event. A source close to the pilots reported that they received notification of their suspension immediately after landing.
The South Carolina National Guard stated that the suspension, which only applied to flight operations, was a "routine, non-punitive safety measure — not a disciplinary action." Officials emphasized that all pilots remained "in good standing" and would continue their ground duties, with safety being the primary concern.
The announcement of the pilots' reinstatement followed a promise from War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated on X that he would "fix this." The suspensions had drawn criticism from lawmakers, including Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC), who demanded the immediate restoration of the pilots' flying privileges. Fry argued that the pilots should be celebrated for their display, which garnered admiration from millions of Americans, rather than being sanctioned.
Republican state Rep. Tim McGinnis echoed these sentiments, calling the suspensions "ridiculous" and suggesting that such a flying ban could impair the Guard's readiness in an emergency scenario. The reinstated pilots were part of a flyover event that had initially drawn both praise and scrutiny.