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
July 10 (UPI) -- 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.
