SC officials call on National Guard to drop military pilots’ suspension

(WPDE) — Local officials have reacted on social media after eight pilots who flew during last week’s Salute to the Shore were suspended.

The Salute from the Shore military flyover takes place every year on the Fourth of July along South Carolina’s beaches. This year, four Apache helicopters flown by airmen from the South Carolina Air National Guard joined the flyover for the first time. The eight helicopter pilots have since been grounded from flight operations while an investigation into potential safety violations during the holiday event is conducted. (Photo Credit: WPDE)

Military aircraft flew along the South Carolina coast on Saturday, July 4, but a source told ABC15 that shortly after landing, they received messages saying they were suspended.

“There weren’t any details — no specific reason why they were being investigated, just that they were under investigation,” the source said.

United States Congressman Russell Fry, who represents Horry and Georgetown Counties, seemingly frustrated over the National Guard’s decision, posted to X Thursday, tagging the South Carolina National Guard, and calling on them to drop the 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,” Fry said.

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

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.”

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.”