Navy identifies missing sailor after Arabian Sea emergency landing

The U.S. Navy has identified Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards as the sailor missing following an emergency water landing of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter in the Arabian Sea on July 1. Edwards, the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, was aboard the aircraft when it went down.

“

The thoughts and prayers of every member of the Carrier Strike Group 10 team are with the Edwards family. While we are far from home, our heartfelt support remains at your side.

Three of the four crew members were rescued at sea. The Navy stated that the cause of the emergency landing is under investigation, with no indication that the helicopter was shot down by hostile action. Carrier Strike Group 10 commander Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata expressed his thoughts and prayers for the Edwards family, remembering Edwards as a "fearless leader" whose legacy will endure.

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao directed that Edwards be posthumously promoted to captain. Cao expressed gratitude to all personnel involved in the search and support for Edwards' family, friends, and shipmates. Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, served for 20 years after earning a physics degree and being commissioned through Naval ROTC. He became a helicopter pilot in 2008 and had served in various squadrons before assuming command of HSC-5 in July of the previous year.

“

I am deeply grateful to every sailor and airman who took part in the search and who continue to support his family, friends, and shipmates.

The extensive search for Edwards was suspended after more than 102 hours, covering over 14,000 square miles. The operation involved multiple aircraft carriers, destroyers, helicopter squadrons, anti-submarine squadrons, and U.S. Air Force aircraft. Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and two children.

“

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.

Rebecca Edwards released a statement expressing profound gratitude to all who participated in the search. She described Gabe as a dedicated public servant who led with humility, integrity, and compassion, always prioritizing his people. She fondly recalled him as the love of her life, an extraordinary father, and the foundation of their home, whose greatest joy was his family. The three rescued crew members have returned to the USS George H.W. Bush.

“

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.