Army suspends Apache crew that buzzed Kid Rock
Source: Task & Purpose
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The Army grounded two flight crews from the 101st Airborne who hovered over and buzzed past the home of singer Kid Rock on a weekend training flight, and has launched a formal investigation into the flight. But the singer told a local news station that he doubts the crews will get in much trouble.
“I think they’re going to be alright,” he told WKRN. “My buddy is the commander in chief,”
The singer is a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, and has been a regular White House guest.
Fort Campbell is about 60 miles northwest of Nashville, and 50 miles from White Creek, Tennessee, where the singer owns a hilltop estate he calls “the Southern White House” that appears to be in the video.
Army spokesperson Maj. Montrell Russell, a spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division, confirmed to Task & Purpose on Tuesday that officials at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, had grounded the pilots and opened a formal review of the fly-by, known broadly in the Army as a “15-6” investigation.
“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,” said Army spokesperson Maj. Montrell Russell. “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.”
Russell said officials had launched an “Army Regulation 15-6 administrative investigation” of the fly-by, the second-most serious of three levels of 15-6 investigations. Administrative investigations can cover a wide-range of incidents, mishaps, or alleged misconduct across the Army, usually under a single investigating officer. The investigator is charged with producing “a comprehensive examination of the facts and circumstances relevant to the matters or conduct under investigation, and to provide recommendations, as may be required.”
The administrative review is a step above a so-called “preliminary inquiry,” but short of a formal “board of officers,” which investigates major mishaps, misconduct, or service-wide issues.
“Since the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to discuss specific findings at this time,” Russell said in an email. “The Army takes any allegations of unauthorized or unsafe flight operations very seriously and is committed to enforcing standards and holding personnel accountable.”
Kid Rock posted a video on Instagram that shows him clapping and saluting as two of the Army helicopters hover in front of him. A sign visible in the video reads “The Southern White House.”
Rock told WKRN he’d previously invited crews to fly by his house.
“I’ve talked to some of these pilots, and 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,” he told the station.
WTVF, a Nashville television station, reported that Apache helicopters may also have flown over a “No Kings” protest on Saturday in the city. Bless confirmed the Apaches were flying near Nashville, but not if they were spotted over the parade.
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“Our helicopters were flying a route in the Nashville vicinity for training purposes. Any association with the No Kings Rally also happening in Nashville that day is entirely coincidental,” a 101st spokesman said.
UPDATE: 3.31.2026; This article was updated after publication with information on the crew’s suspension, a pending investigation and Mr. Rock’s friendship with the president.
The post Army suspends Apache crew that buzzed Kid Rock appeared first on Task & Purpose.
Classification
Region
North America
Analytical Domain
Tactical
Primary Category
Military Operations
SALUTE Report
Size
two flight crews
Activity
suspended from flight duties and under investigation
Location
Fort Campbell · Nashville · White Creek
Unit
101st Airborne Division
Time
March 28
Equipment
Apache helicopters
Summary
The Army grounded two flight crews from the 101st Airborne Division for hovering over Kid Rock's home during a training flight on March 28. An investigation into the incident has been initiated, focusing on compliance with aviation regulations and safety protocols. Kid Rock, a supporter of President Trump, expressed skepticism about the crews facing significant repercussions.
Key Facts
- Two flight crews from the 101st Airborne were grounded for buzzing Kid Rock's home.
- An investigation was launched into the flight operations.
- The incident occurred on March 28 in the Nashville area.
- The Army is reviewing compliance with FAA regulations and safety protocols.
- Kid Rock expressed doubt about the crews facing serious consequences.