It was just a few weeks ago when Kid Rock posted footage of a military helicopter hovering over his Tennessee estate on social media.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Now that the controversy surrounding the fly-by has died down, the "All Summer Long" singer and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth took a ride in some Apache helicopters on Monday, April 27.
The Secretary of War Shared the Ride on Social Media
Continuing their visit, Kid Rock and Hegseth arrived at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The two met with the AH-64 Apache helicopter crews before each took a ride in separate choppers.
In the pictures Hegseth posted on X, the duo is standing in front of the aircraft. In another image, the rocker is seen talking with troops in the Pentagon's press briefing room.
"Joined my friend @KidRock — and some of our great @USArmy Apache pilots — for a ride this morning. (More to come on that!)," he wrote. "Kid Rock is a patriot and huge supporter of our troops. The War Department is wasting no time celebrating America's 250th — home of the free because of the brave."
According to the New York Post, the helicopter rides were part of a "community relations event." Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell shared that videos were filmed for Memorial Day, America's 250th birthday, and Kid Rock's Freedom 250 tour.
Kid Rock Sure Loves Helicopters
Earlier this month, Kid Rock explained that he was just as surprised as everyone else when an Apache helicopter paid the singer a visit at his home, a replica of the White House. Though the visit lasted just seconds, it was meaningful to Kid Rock.
"It was a level of respect that I got that no award or record sales could ever do," he said. "It was pretty cool. They stopped right there. I wasn't expecting any of that, but I thought it was pretty neat."
The incident drew a considerable amount of attention and controversy as no official request was made for helicopters to visit Kid Rock's residence.
After the video was posted, the Army began an investigation to "assess the mission and verify compliance with regulations and airspace requirements." They also suspended the helicopter pilots.
However, the suspension didn't last long. Hegseth soon reassured followers on social media that the pilots had nothing to worry about.
"Thank you @KidRock," Hegseth wrote on his personal X account. "@USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots."
Rock didn't seem too worried about the crew either.
"I think they're gonna be alright," he said. "My buddy's the Commander-in-Chief."
