Army Lifts Suspension on Helicopter Crews After Viral Fly-By at Kid Rock's Home

The crews were suspended then quickly unsuspended after hovering next to the musician's 'Southern White House' residence in Nashville.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two AH-64 Apache helicopter crews from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell were suspended and then quickly unsuspended on Tuesday after they hovered next to country rock musician Kid Rock's 'Southern White House' home in Nashville on Saturday. Kid Rock posted a video of the fly-by on X, showing him clapping and saluting the helicopter crews. The Army initially suspended the crews for the incident, but Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth later lifted the suspension, stating 'No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.'

Why it matters

The incident highlights the close relationship between Kid Rock and the Trump administration, as well as the potential for military assets to be used for political purposes or publicity stunts. It also raises questions about the appropriate use of military resources and the oversight of such activities.

The details

The Army confirmed that on March 28, the two Apache helicopters conducted a flight in the Nashville area that attracted public and media attention. Kid Rock posted a video of the fly-by on X, showing him clapping and saluting the helicopter crews. Prior to the secretary's announcement, the Army had released a statement saying it would review the circumstances surrounding the day's events, compliance with protocols, and approval requirements. However, Hegseth later lifted the suspension, stating there would be no punishment or investigation.

  • On March 28, the two Apache helicopters conducted a flight in the Nashville area.
  • On March 29, Kid Rock posted a video of the fly-by on X.
  • On March 29, the Army suspended the helicopter crews.
  • On March 29, Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth lifted the suspension.

The players

Kid Rock

A country rock musician whose real name is Robert James Ritchie. He has openly befriended and endorsed former President Donald Trump.

Pete Hegseth

The Department of War Secretary who lifted the suspension on the helicopter crews.

101st Combat Aviation Brigade

The unit at Fort Campbell that the two Apache helicopter crews belong to.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who Kid Rock has supported.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who Kid Rock referenced in his X post.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Thank you [Kid Rock]. [U.S. Army] pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.”

— Pete Hegseth, Department of War Secretary

“They probably shouldn't have been doing it … You're not supposed to be playing games.”

— Donald Trump

“I think they're going to be all right. My buddy's the commander in chief.”

— Kid Rock, Country Rock Musician

What’s next

The Army will continue to review the circumstances surrounding the helicopter fly-by, including compliance with protocols and approval requirements. However, no further disciplinary action is expected.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the close relationship between Kid Rock and the Trump administration, as well as the potential for military assets to be used for political purposes or publicity stunts. It raises questions about the appropriate use of military resources and the oversight of such activities, even if no formal punishment is ultimately handed down.