Update to original story: April 1, 2026: Hours after the pilots were grounded, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth lifted their suspension. He posted on X at 5:34 CT on March 31. “No punishment. No investigation,” Hegseth wrote. “Carry on, patriots.”

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When a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter hovered near Kid Rock’s backyard pool at his Nashville-area estate — known as the “Southern White House” in Whites Creek, Tennessee — the musician waved and saluted the crew in appreciation.

The moment, captured in a video Kid Rock posted on March 28 that quickly went viral, has now led the Army to suspend the aircrew pending an administrative review for possible violations of flight regulations.

 

In the video, Rock waved and saluted. The post on X racked up more than 10.4 million views at the time of publication.

“This is a level of respect that sh*t for brains Governor of California will never know,” Rock posted on Instagram. “God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her.”

The Army allegedly suspended the airmen, an unnamed official told NBC News on March 31. 

The Army initially said the aircraft shown were AH-64 Apache helicopters, and said “appropriate action will be taken if any violations are found.” The helicopters reportedly flew from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to Nashville.  

“Army aviators must adhere to strict safety standards, professionalism, and established flight regulations,” the Army said in a statement on March 30, per NBC. “An administrative review is underway to assess the mission and verify compliance with regulations and airspace requirements.”

Major Jonathon Bless, public affairs officer for the 101st Airborne Division, told Fox News military officials had launched an investigation.

“The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell maintain strict standards for aviation safety, professionalism, and adherence to established flight regulations,” Bless said. “We take all concerns regarding aircraft operations and their impact on the surrounding community seriously.”

The helicopters reportedly also flew over a “No Kings” protest in downtown Nashville earlier that day.

“These helicopters were flying a route in the Nashville vicinity for training purposes,” Bless said. “Any association with the No Kings Rally also happening in Nashville that day is entirely coincidental.”

Kid Rock reportedly told WKRN he appreciated the moment. 

“They circled back around and came out right over here, and I just gave them a salute, kind of a thank you, and man, it was a level of respect that I got that no award or record sales could,” Rock said.

Rock often sees military aircraft near his home, he said.  

“I was there last Thanksgiving with JD Vance, and I’ve talked to some of these pilots,” Rock said. “I told them, ‘You guys see me waving when you come by the house, you guys are always welcome to cruise by my house like any time.’”