Secretary of War Pete Hegseth drew praise from conservatives after moving quickly to address the temporary grounding of eight South Carolina National Guard Apache pilots who flew over cheering beach crowds during a July Fourth celebration.
The pilots took part in South Carolina’s “Salute from the Shore” event, an annual patriotic flyover honoring U.S. service members.
Video of the Apache helicopters making a low-altitude pass over packed beaches quickly went viral, with beachgoers waving flags and cheering as the aircraft roared overhead.
But after the pilots landed, they were told they had been suspended from flying duties pending a review, Fox Carolina reported.
The backlash was immediate.
Hegseth stepped in shortly after the suspension made headlines, posting a blunt message on X.
“We’ll fix this. Carry on, Patriots.”
By early the next morning, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the suspension had been lifted.
“effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted.”
Echoing Hegseth, Parnell added, “Carry on Patriots.”
The South Carolina National Guard said the suspension was meant to be temporary and administrative, not punitive.
We’ll fix this. Carry on, Patriots. https://t.co/mJXcG7BNDM
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) July 10, 2026
Maj. Lisa Alle told Fox Carolina the pilots remained in good standing while the flight profile was reviewed.
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 grounded, the pilots continued working and were still being paid.
That did little to calm critics who were furious that pilots who participated in a patriotic Independence Day event were being reviewed at all.
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. No reason has been given for their suspension. A source says as soon as the pilots landed, they got a message saying they were suspended pending an investigation.”
Another popular influencer who goes by the username Jammles9 reacted, “Are you kidding me?? This was incredible!!”
Rep. Russell Fry, a South Carolina Republican, blasted the move and said the pilots should be honored, not punished.
“Leave it to a beach Karen to make a frivolous complaint about the most EPIC flyover ever on Independence Day. Newsflash— we LOVED the flyovers!!!”
The congressman added, “These heroes deserve to be CELEBRATED, not chastised. We stand with each of the Apache pilots!”
In a statement shared with Fox News Digital Friday morning, the South Carolina National Guard confirmed the state adjutant general had lifted the administrative suspension of the eight pilots.
The Guard called them “experienced aviators” and said returning them to flight status “ensures that the South Carolina National Guard maintains its peak operational readiness and remains fully postured to support both state and federal missions.”
JUST IN: The Department of War announces that the 8 Apache Helicopter pilots from the South Carolina National Guard, who were suspended for performing a low flyover on July 4th over the beach in Charleston, South Carolina, have been FULLY REINSTATED.… pic.twitter.com/ilfnH1XPOI
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) July 10, 2026
“The South Carolina National Guard’s 59th Aviation Troop Command is an exceptional helicopter unit, renowned throughout the Army and the National Guard for its unwavering commitment to excellence and Soldier safety,” the statement read. “As is the hallmark of any professional organization, the 59th Aviation Troop Command continuously self-examines and critically evaluates its training and operations to ensure that the highest levels of professionalism and safety are maintained.
“The subject events of July 4th are no exception, as our pilots remain deeply committed to excellence and the highest standards of safety,” the South Carolina National Guard continued, adding, “The South Carolina National Guard appreciates the outpouring of concern and support from our community and state leaders. Go Guard!”
Praise quickly poured in for Hegseth after the decision.
Mike Davis, a former Capitol Hill staffer, posted, “This is why I love Pete.”
Swol also thanked Hegseth for stepping in.
“Really appreciate @PeteHegseth lifting this suspension. My wife and I were on that beach and we watched the flyover with my son… it was absolutely epic. This right here is why I love Pete Hegseth. Thank you @SecWar.”
The episode turned what officials described as a routine safety review into a full-blown culture-war flashpoint.
For many on the right, the Apache crews gave families on the beach a Fourth of July moment they will never forget.
Hegseth made sure they did not stay grounded for it.
