The U.S. Navy on Tuesday identified Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 (HSC-5), as the sailor lost at sea following an MH-60S helicopter emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea.
The helicopter, assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush, made the emergency landing on July 1. Three of the helicopter's four crew members were successfully recovered. The Navy suspended its search for Edwards on Sunday after more than 102 hours and covering over 14,000 square miles.
Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, expressed condolences to Edwards' family. "Gabe’s legacy as a husband, father, friend and fearless leader will never be forgotten," Cimicata said in a statement.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao has directed that Edwards be posthumously promoted to the rank of captain. "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," Cao stated.
Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006 and earned his Wings of Gold as a Navy helicopter pilot in 2008. He assumed command of HSC-5 in July 2025. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and two children.
Rebecca Edwards stated, "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." She added, "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."
During his career, Edwards logged more than 2,000 flight hours in multiple Navy helicopter platforms. HSC-5 is currently deployed to the Middle East aboard the USS George H.W. Bush.
The Navy has stated that mental health professionals, chaplains, and other support personnel are assisting squadron and ship crew members. The cause of the incident remains under investigation, with no indication that hostile action was involved.