Eight South Carolina National Guard Apache helicopter pilots gave the crowds a lot to cheer about when they flew low over the beach during a July 4 Salute From the Shore flyover along the coastline.
Except then they found out they were suspended after the flyover, as our sister site Townhall reported.
🚨WHAT ON EARTH??!!!!
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) July 9, 2026
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… pic.twitter.com/rNaigiVQol
After announcing the suspension and then facing a backlash, the South Carolina National Guard said "the pilots remain on duty and continue to receive pay while performing other assignments," but they have been "temporarily removed from flight duties pending the investigation."
“We want to clarify that the temporary suspension of our Apache pilots from flight duties is a routine, non-punitive safety measure, not a disciplinary action,” officials said.
Many took issue with the suspension, including Gov. Henry McMaster.
“The men and women who pilot the world’s most sophisticated aircraft are trusted to do so around the globe, in times of imminent danger and peril. Surely, they know how to safely navigate the coast of South Carolina — and her scores of cheering residents and tourists on our 250th anniversary,” McMaster said in a Facebook post.
Republican Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07) objected as well.
“The [South Carolina National Guard] needs to drop this review and restore these pilots immediately,” Fry wrote on X. “Millions of Americans applauded the incredible display during Salute to the Shore flyover while expressing complete admiration for them & appreciation for our country and military.
“These pilots should be celebrated, not sanctioned.”
He was also concerned that the suspensions could affect readiness to respond to emergencies in the area as well.
But that's when Secretary of War Pete Hegseth rode to the rescue, posting on X, “We’ll fix this. Carry on, Patriots.”
We’ll fix this. Carry on, Patriots. https://t.co/mJXcG7BNDM
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) July 10, 2026
Sounds like that got resolved post haste, because then on Friday morning, Sean Parnell, the Pentagon spokesperson and Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs, announced the suspensions had been lifted, reiterating, "Carry on Patriots."
Effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted.
— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellASW) July 10, 2026
Carry on Patriots. 🇺🇸🫡 https://t.co/JqLr1QZmXl
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