Pentagon Lifts Suspension of Eight South Carolina National Guard Pilots

The Pentagon reinstated eight South Carolina National Guard pilots to flight status after a brief administrative suspension tied to a low-altitude flyover of Apache helicopters on July 4. The pilots had been placed on temporary non-punitive suspension while officials reviewed the flyover that occurred during the state's annual Salute from the Shore event along the 187-mile coastline.

The event, held for a decade, honors service members and this year included Apache helicopters alongside F-16s and C-17s for the first time.

Review and reinstatement A South Carolina National Guard spokesperson said the suspension was routine and the pilots continued non-flying duties while the review took place. The state adjutant general later lifted the suspension, citing the need to maintain operational readiness with experienced aviators.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced the reinstatement on social media, stating the suspension was lifted effective immediately. >"Effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted.

Russell Fry, whose district includes Myrtle Beach, posted that the pilots should be celebrated rather than sanctioned. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster also expressed support for the pilots before the reinstatement was announced. The Pentagon did not provide additional details beyond Parnell's statement.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier posted that the matter would be resolved quickly.