The Pentagon announced Friday that it is lifting the suspensions of eight Apache helicopter pilots who were involved in a Fourth of July flyover. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
The Pentagon announced Friday that it is lifting the suspensions of eight Apache helicopter pilots who were involved in a Fourth of July flyover.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the decision on social media Friday following pressure from Republican lawmakers. Eight pilots had been suspended after flying helicopters over several South Carolina beaches last weekend to mark the state’s Fourth of July celebrations.
“Effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted,” Parnell posted on social media. “Carry on Patriots.”
The pilots were suspended for a low flyby over a beach where people were swimming below. State Rep. Russell Fry, a Republican, called the suspensions the result of a “frivolous complaint,” in a post on social media.
Maj. Lisa Allen, public affairs officer with the South Carolina National Guard, told a local news station, ABC 15, that the suspensions of the pilots were “routine” during a pending investigation. The suspensions only applied to their flight duties.
“We sincerely appreciate the strong community support for our service members and the enthusiasm surrounding the ‘Salute from the Shore’ event,” she said. “We are also aware of the public feedback and concerns regarding the temporary suspension of the Apache pilots involved. 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 week in Washington
Olympic canoeist David Hearn departs the Moultrie Courthouse after pleading not guilty to damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Thursday. Hearn was indicted on July 2 on one count of destruction of property of more than $1,000 for allegedly damaging the Reflecting Pool, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
