On July 4th, several Apache helicopters were spotted flying very low over the shoreline in Charleston, SC during the annual “Salute from the Shore” event.
While the beach-goers appeared amazed at the patriotic display and cheered on the pilots, it appears that the South Carolina National Guard wasn’t impressed.
Shortly after landing, all eight of these pilots were notified that they had been given suspensions.
For reference, here’s the incident in question:
Here’s a wider angle:
I stood in awe watching our military pilots participate in this year’s Salute from the Shore. Their professionalism, skill, and willingness to serve our state and our nation made many of us proud to be Americans.
Video by Dori Grimes on Garden City Beach Pier. pic.twitter.com/w2CpFeCW6q
— Austin Bond Photo (@MurrellsInletPh) July 9, 2026
These pilots were not given a specific reason for their suspensions, which are only temporary as an investigation is carried out.
Fox 17 shared a statement from National Guard Maj. Lisa Allen:
Maj. Lisa Allen with the National Guard confirmed the pilots are suspended from flying operations while an internal investigation looks into their performance during the Salute from the Shore event. Maj Allen says the pilots are still assigned to duties outside of flying, but the investigation is examining any possible safety violations that may have occurred during the flyover.
Thursday morning, Maj. Allen released the following statement:
“I can confirm that the SCARNG is currently reviewing the flight profile of the Apache helicopters that participated in the event. As is routine, the pilots involved in the flight have been temporarily suspended from flight duties pending the outcome of this review. Please note that this suspension applies only to flight operations; the pilots continue to report for their regular daily duties in a non-flying capacity. In accordance with standard military policy, and to protect the integrity of the ongoing review, we cannot provide further details or speculate on specific allegations—including questions regarding flight altitude or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The safety of our personnel and the communities we fly over remains our top priority, and we take all reports regarding flight safety seriously.”
There is no word on how long the suspensions will remain in place or when the investigation is expected to conclude.
The National Guard’s decision to suspend these pilots is proving extremely controversial.
Several officials in South Carolina are calling for them to drop the suspensions immediately.
Take Rep. Russell Fry, for example:
The @SCNationalGuard needs to drop this review and restore these pilots immediately.
Millions of Americans applauded the incredible display during Salute to the Shore flyover while expressing complete admiration for them & appreciation for our country and military.
These pilots… https://t.co/5sCfJLxQPD
— Congressman Russell Fry (@RepRussellFry) July 9, 2026
The @SCNationalGuard
needs to drop this review and restore these pilots immediately.Millions of Americans applauded the incredible display during Salute to the Shore flyover while expressing complete admiration for them & appreciation for our country and military.
These pilots should be celebrated, not sanctioned.
CBS 4 shared a similar statement from South Carolina Rep. Tim McGinnis:
South Carolina District 56 Representative Tim McGinnis released a statement on Facebook calling the suspension “ridiculous.”
“This is ridiculous. These pilots helped thousands along our shores celebrate our country and the greatest fighting force in the world. They need to be reinstated and allowed to fly immediately to maintain constant readiness,” McGinnis said. “I have called the SC National Guard and asked for a reason why these pilots have been grounded. I also have a call into the governor’s office. I’ll let you know what I hear back.”
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Many folks on social media are standing up for these pilots, as well:
For the love of GOD, reinstate these pilots immediately.
Don’t be gutless clowns! @POTUS @SecWar @henrymcmaster https://t.co/rizYmafPTf pic.twitter.com/o8fYkrBjnI
— the last (@Dronetakeoff0) July 9, 2026
This was one of the coolest things to happen on the SC coast 4th flyover in a long time, if ever. That the SC National Guard suspended the pilots right after- “safety concerns” is absolutely ridiculous. I’m sure next yr whatever flies over will require binoculars to see😡 pic.twitter.com/YZMZjj3jFK
— D.W. Dalrymple (@BIG_DWD) July 8, 2026
It’s not unusual for us to see A-10’s doing flyovers of the lake on the 4th. This year was special, we saw 4 different style planes and helicopters. All of us were in awe, it never gets old.
To suspend these pilots is itself criminal, those beachgoers loved it! https://t.co/5BWkaQWzT8
— Pale Rider’s daffy son (@PaleRiding) July 9, 2026
But, other people believe the National Guard did the right thing:
It’s stupid that they did that, but…
The pilots were flying below minimum allowable altitude. This isn’t the first time pilots have been suspended or reprimanded for doing this. https://t.co/moeHXpHuqn
— Based and Biased (@based_biased) July 9, 2026
They should be suspended that was extremely irresponsible. If they had any engine troubles they could have killed people.
— WW (@William82989429) July 9, 2026
Allow me:
Minimum Safe Altitude rules are probably broken here – Along with flying directly over a crowd of people being added danger.
Command sees this as a safety and professionalism issue causing a public affairs issue.#HFBSDD pic.twitter.com/7tRWKLUOH1— RexAmericanus (@CoryMyres) July 9, 2026
What’s your take?
Should these Apache helicopter pilots have been suspended?
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