The Pentagon lifts the suspension of eight Army National Guard Apache helicopter pilots who were temporarily grounded after flying low over South Carolina coastal beaches during a July 4 “Salute from the Shore” celebration, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell says. Parnell announces the change on Friday morning, stating the suspension for the South Carolina pilots is lifted effective immediately. Multiple outlets report that the suspensions sparked rapid backlash online and prompted broader political attention, including involvement by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The reports characterize the reversal as a response to public and political pressure and as an effort by leadership to address the situation. The pilots had been suspended following the flyover, according to the coverage. All accounts agree on the core outcome: the Pentagon ends the grounding of the eight pilots involved in the South Carolina beach flyby and allows them to resume duties. The decision follows earlier suspension actions that quickly drew criticism and attention from lawmakers and defense officials.