National guard pilots return to duty after 4 July low-level beach flyover in South Carolina

Eight South Carolina National Guard helicopter pilots have been reinstated to flying duties after a temporary suspension. The pilots were suspended following a low-level flyover of beachgoers during the Fourth of July "Salute from the Shore" event. The South Carolina National Guard initiated a review of the incident, clarifying the suspension was a non-punitive safety measure. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the lifting of the suspension, stating "Effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted." The event, a tradition honoring service members, featured various military aircraft, including Apache helicopters for the first time this year.

Eight South Carolina National Guard helicopter pilots have had their flying duties reinstated after a temporary suspension. The pilots were suspended following a low-flying sweep by Apache helicopters over beachgoers during the annual "Salute from the Shore" event on July 4th. Online images of the helicopters flying at a low altitude over crowded beaches prompted a review by the South Carolina National Guard, which classified the suspension as a non-punitive safety measure. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced the suspension was lifted, stating, "Effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted." This decision came after public statements from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who expressed confidence in the pilots' abilities.