Key Facts

• Eight Apache helicopter pilots were temporarily suspended after flying low over a South Carolina beach during a July 4th flyover.
• The suspension was initially described as a "routine, non-punitive safety measure" by the South Carolina Army National Guard.
• Congressman Russell Fry and State Representative Tim McGinnis criticized the suspensions as unnecessary.
• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth promised to address the situation and lifted the suspensions promptly.
• The pilots remain in good standing and continue to perform non-flight duties.
• A similar incident occurred in March involving two Army helicopters flying over singer Kid Rock’s home, where pilots were also suspended but reinstated quickly without punishment.
• The specific reasons for the suspensions and any concerns about flight altitude or aviation rules were not publicly detailed.