Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, has been identified by the U.S. Navy as the sailor who went missing following a helicopter’s emergency landing in the Arabian Sea on July 1.
The Navy made the announcement Tuesday evening, two days after announcing that the search for Edwards had been suspended. Edwards and three others were aboard an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter last week and assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. The aircraft made an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea at about 3:30 a.m. EST, according to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet.
After three crew members were recovered and were last described as being in stable condition aboard the carrier, the search continued for Edwards. Navy officials said that the attempted search-and-rescue mission was led by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The extensive search involved ships and aircraft from two carrier strike groups, two Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadrons (VP) flying P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and multiple U.S. Air Force aircraft.
Search attempts lasted more than 102 hours and spanned more than 14,000 square miles. It was officially called off at 3 p.m. AST on Sunday, July 5.
“The thoughts and prayers of every member of the Carrier Strike Group 10 team are with the Edwards family,” Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, said in a statement on Tuesday. “While we are far from home, our heartfelt support remains at your side. “Gabe’s legacy as a husband, father, friend and fearless leader will never be forgotten. We are thankful to each who carry a unique and indelible part of Gabe’s memory with us as we continue this important mission.”
Capt. Matthew Lewis, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, said in his own statement that Edwards “was the epitome of selfless leadership, who dedicated himself to service and sacrifice for the last 20 years.
“Our deepest gratitude and sympathy go out to his family, who should know that Gabe led his squadron, the HSC-5 ‘Nightdippers,’ with integrity and fortitude, building a cohesive organization that will continue to embody the exceptional standards he set while in command and throughout his naval career,” Lewis said.
The Navy said the cause of the incident remains under investigation, adding there is no indication the emergency was caused by hostile action.
Edwards’ Background
Edwards was a native of Oakland, Ore., who graduated in 2006 from Norfolk State University with a bachelor’s degree in physics and was commissioned through the Naval ROTC.
He earned his aviator “Wings of Gold” in 2008 as a helicopter pilot and served with HSC-22, the “Sea Knights;” HSC-84, the “Red Wolves;” Naval Special Warfare Group (NSWG) 4 as the air-to-ground fires office and Joint Terminal Attack Controller; HSC-85, the “Firehawks;” and assumed command of HSC-5, the “Nightdippers,” in July 2025, according to the Navy.
Edwards assumed command as the commanding officer of HSC-5 in July 2025 and was selected for promotion to captain by the Fiscal Year 2027 O-6 Line Officer Promotion Board. He accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours in the SH-60F, HH-60H, and MH-60S helicopter airframes.
His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and campaign awards.
The service said that HSC-5 is currently deployed in the Middle East embarked on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) as part of CVW-7. Mental health professionals and counselors, chaplaincy and religious program support advocates are actively supporting the squadron and ship’s crew.
‘Dedicating His Life to Serving Our Country’
Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, two children, a large extended family, and “brothers and sisters in the naval aviation community who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.”
“We are profoundly grateful to every sailor, aviator and airman who devoted countless hours, extraordinary skill, and unwavering determination in the effort to bring Gabe home,” his wife, Rebecca Edwards, said in a statement. “Gabe has dedicated his life to serving his country with honor, courage and commitment.
“He led with humility, integrity, and compassion, always putting his people before himself. To those who served alongside him, he was a respected leader and mentor. To our family, he is the love of my life, an extraordinary father to his children, and the foundation of our home. His greatest joy was always his family.”
Edwards’ family also expressed their appreciation for the outpouring of prayers, messages, and support from their family, friends, the HSC-5 Nightdippers, the naval aviation community, and people around the world.
“As we begin to face the difficult road ahead, we respectfully ask for privacy as we grieve together as a family,” Rebecca said. “We find comfort in knowing that Gabe lived a life of extraordinary purpose, devoted to his country, his squadron, and above all, the family he loved so completely.”
