Pentagon lifts suspension of 8 Apache pilots after July 4 flyover
What's new: The South Carolina National Guard called the grounding a routine review, not punishment, and said the pilots stayed on duty and paid.
The Pentagon lifted the suspension of eight South Carolina National Guard Apache pilots who were grounded after a low-altitude flyover at the state's "Salute from the Shores" July 4 event. The move came after the grounding drew online backlash and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed for a reversal.
Fox Carolina reported the pilots were told after landing that they had been suspended pending an investigation. By the next morning, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the suspension had been lifted effective immediately.
South Carolina National Guard spokesperson Maj. Lisa Alle told the station the move was a temporary administrative step used when a flight profile is under review. She said the pilots remained in good standing, continued working and kept receiving pay.