National guard pilots return to duty after 4 July low-level beach flyover in South Carolina
Summary
Eight South Carolina National Guard helicopter pilots were suspended after flying low over crowded beaches during a Fourth of July event but have now been allowed to return to duty. The suspension was described as a safety review, not a punishment, and officials, including the state governor, expressed support for the pilots.Key Facts
- The pilots were suspended after a low-flying sweep over beachgoers during the "Salute from the Shore" Fourth of July event.
- "Salute from the Shore" is a tradition since 2010 honoring service members with military aircraft flying along South Carolina’s coastline.
- The event featured F-16 fighter jets, a C-17 cargo plane, Apache helicopters, and vintage civilian planes.
- Videos online showed Apache helicopters flying low over crowded beaches, raising safety concerns.
- The South Carolina National Guard stated the suspension was a routine safety measure, not disciplinary.
- Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the pilots were returning to duty immediately.
- South Carolina’s Governor Henry McMaster and local politicians publicly supported the pilots.
- It is not confirmed if Governor McMaster directly intervened in lifting the suspension.
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