Amid public outrage over their suspension, War Secretary Pete Hegseth and his top advisor, Sean Parnell, have announced that the eight Apache helicopter pilots who flew in a July 4 “Salute from the Shore” demonstration in South Carolina have been reinstated.
Hegseth and Parnell both responded to the incident, urging in X posts, “Carry on, Patriots.”
The South Carolina Army National Guard pilots were reportedly suspended without explanation after flying low over South Carolina beaches and giving beachgoers an unforgettable sight, the Gateway Pundit reported.
WATCH:
As word of their suspension went viral on Thursday, War Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to the controversy, writing on X last night, “We’ll fix this. Carry on, Patriots.”
We’ll fix this. Carry on, Patriots. https://t.co/mJXcG7BNDM
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) July 10, 2026
This morning, Chief Pentagon Spokesman and Hegseth Senior Advisor Sean Parnell announced, “Effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted.”
“Carry on Patriots,” he added.
Effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted.
Carry on Patriots. 🇺🇸🫡 https://t.co/JqLr1QZmXl
— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellASW) July 10, 2026
More from WPDE:
The announcement follows days of growing criticism from some South Carolina lawmakers after eight Apache pilots with the South Carolina Army National Guard were removed from flight status following the Fourth of July Salute From the Shore flyover.
The South Carolina National Guard previously said the pilots remained on duty but had been temporarily removed from flight status while an internal investigation into possible safety concerns was conducted. Guard officials also described the review as routine, not punitive, and said the soldiers remained in good standing.
Earlier this week, State Representative William Bailey said he had been told the investigation began after a bystander submitted a complaint, which was then forwarded through National Guard channels for review. State Representative Tim McGinnis also called for the pilots to be reinstated, and Governor Henry McMaster publicly defended the pilots, saying they know how to safely navigate South Carolina’s coastline.
