Photo: Alamy
The U.S. Army has lifted the suspension of an aircrew involved in a helicopter flight near the Tennessee home of musician Kid Rock, according to a statement posted Tuesday by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“Thank you @KidRock. @USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots,” Hegseth wrote on X.
Army officials had earlier said the crew was temporarily removed from flight duties pending an investigation into the incident. Army spokesperson Maj. Montrell Russell said the personnel were grounded while the service examined compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, aviation safety standards and mission approval requirements.
The review followed a video posted Saturday by Kid Rock showing military helicopters flying near his property outside Nashville. The Army identified the aircraft as AH-64 Apache helicopters operating from Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
“The Army has confirmed that, on March 28, two Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell conducted a flight in the Nashville area that has attracted public and media attention,” Maj. Montrell Russell stated, according to Fox News Digital.
“This incident is now under an Army Regulation 15-6 administrative investigation. The personnel involved have been suspended from flight duties while the Army reviews the circumstances surrounding the mission, including compliance with relevant FAA regulations, aviation safety protocol and approval requirements.
“Since the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to discuss specific findings at this time. The Army takes any allegations of unauthorized or unsafe flight operations very seriously and is committed to enforcing standards and holding personnel accountable.”
Officials said the flight was not part of the unit’s assigned training mission and was not requested by Ritchie.
The Army also said the helicopters were not tasked with monitoring or interacting with nearby protest activity, including demonstrations in the area and described any proximity to such events as coincidental.
Kid Rock, known for songs such as “Picture” and “All Summer Long,” has been active in political circles and has publicly supported President Donald Trump.
