Pete Hegseth Lifts Apache Pilot Suspensions After Controversial Beach Flyovers

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed a Turning Point USA gathering, denouncing diversity initiatives in the military and urging a merit‑based, "sex neutral, gender neutral, colour‑blind" force. In the same period, he intervened in an Army safety review, tweeting “Carry on, Patriots” as the Pentagon lifted the suspensions of eight South Carolina National Guard AH‑64 Apache pilots. The pilots had been grounded after low‑altitude passes over crowded July 4th beaches during the state’s “Salute From The Shore” airshow. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the immediate reinstatement, noting the measures were routine administrative actions pending review.

Hegseth’s actions have drawn both praise from supporters and criticism from those who allege he undermines standard military oversight. The Turning Point crowd cheered his remarks, while local officials in South Carolina praised the swift restoration of the pilots to flight status after public pressure.