Hegseth steps in to ‘fix’ situation after Apache pilots suspended for ‘Salute from the Shores’ flyover
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stepped in quickly after reports that the pilots of eight Apache helicopters were suspended following a low-altitude flyover during South Carolina's "Salute from the Shore"...
By Fox News · Fox News
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stepped in quickly after reports that the pilots of eight Apache helicopters were suspended following a low-altitude flyover during South Carolina's "Salute from the Shore" event celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Video of the Apache helicopters conducting a low-altitude flyover as beachgoers cheered and waved flags quickly went viral. However, Fox affiliate Fox Carolina reported Thursday that after the pilots landed, they were informed they had been suspended pending an investigation. Their suspension did not last long. Shortly after news broke of the suspension, Hegseth posted on X, "We’ll fix this. Carry on, Patriots." Early the next morning, Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman and senior advisor to Hegseth, announced that "effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted." Echoing Hegseth, he added, "Carry on Patriots." HEGSETH SAYS PENTAGON WILL REVIEW MARK KELLY'S PUBLIC STATEMENTS ABOUT CLASSIFIED BRIEFING AMID ONGOING FEUD Fox Carolina reported on Thursday that South Carolina National Guard spokesperson Maj. Lisa Alle clarified the suspension was intended to be temporary and that the pilots remained in good standing with the military. Alle emphasized to the outlet, "We want to assure the community that a temporary suspension from flight duties is a routine administrative measure whenever a flight profile is under review. This is not punitive." While suspended, the pilots were continuing to work and getting paid. Despite this, the pilots’ suspension outraged many online who expressed anger that they would be under review for participating in a patriotic event. FIRST ON FOX: BEHIND THE SCENES OF ARLINGTON’S MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE FOR AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY Conservative influencer Matt Van Swol posted on X, "WHAT ON EARTH??!!!! 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. N…