Eight Apache helicopter pilots faced suspensions after they were recorded flying low over a beach in South Carolina on the Fourth of July. [Credit: Staff Sergeant Brad Mincey/South Carolina National Guard]
Key Takeaways:
Eight South Carolina Army National Guard pilots were suspended after flying AH-64 Apache helicopters low over a crowded beach during a Fourth of July event.
The South Carolina Army National Guard stated the suspension was a "routine, non-punitive safety measure" for a flight profile under review, not a disciplinary action.
The Pentagon, specifically Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's office, intervened to immediately lift the suspensions for all involved pilots.
This reversal is reminiscent of a prior incident where Hegseth intervened to lift suspensions for U.S. Army pilots involved in another controversial flight.
The Pentagon appears to have intervened to lift the suspensions of eight South Carolina Army National Guard pilots, who were recorded flying AH-64 Apache helicopters low over a crowded beach on the Fourth of July.
The pilots were suspended immediately after landing, a source close to one of the airmen told WPDE-TV in Florence, South Carolina.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
