Defense Secretary Hegseth backs Blue Angels flyover after low pass sent beachgoers scrambling

Published Jul 16, 03:26 PM UTC

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly endorsed a U.S. Navy Blue Angels flyover over Pensacola Beach, Florida, after a jet flew dangerously low, sending sand, tents, and chairs airborne and causing beachgoers to scream and scramble for cover. The Navy acknowledged the aircraft flew lower than standard profiles and announced a safety review. Former Representative Adam Kinzinger and an ABC reporter called the maneuver unsafe and uncharacteristic. Hegseth responded on social media with 'The flyovers will continue until morale improves' and retweeted posts overlaying the incident video with 'CARRY ON PATRIOTS' and 'American Empire.' The article notes Hegseth has a pattern of overturning safety reviews for military demonstrations, including a July 2024 incident involving South Carolina Army National Guard helicopter pilots and a separate case involving pilots performing for Kid Rock.

Source

The New RepublicWestern

Original headline: Hegseth Praises Military Flyovers After One Put Beachgoers in Danger

Original language: EN

Part of this Story

Defense Secretary Hegseth Backs Blue Angels Flyover That Endangers Beachgoers

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