Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is defending low-altitude military flyovers after a recent incident in Florida raised safety concerns. A Navy Blue Angels jet flew low over a crowded beach in Pensacola, causing chairs and tents to go flying and sand to kick up.
Safety Concerns
Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti criticized the military’s top leaders for excusing reckless behavior, saying it can lead to accidents. Former Transportation Department Inspector General Mary Schiavo noted that while the flyovers may not violate military rules, they are still dangerous and should not be performed over people.
The incident in Florida is not an isolated one. There have been previous deadly aircraft accidents involving low-altitude flyovers. In 2011, the Blue Angels’ commander voluntarily stepped down after a low-altitude maneuver was deemed unacceptable.
Military Response
The Navy said it is conducting a thorough safety review of the incident, but Hegseth and other Trump administration officials have voiced support for the flyovers. Hegseth wrote on social media that the flyovers will continue until morale improves.
The Pentagon’s top spokesman, Sean Parnell, also expressed support for the flyovers, saying ‘Carry on Patriots’ alongside a photo of a Blue Angels jet flying low over beachgoers. The White House tweeted a cartoon showing people on a beach taking photos of a Blue Angels jet, with the words ‘Freedom’ and ‘It’s okay to love America’.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
