Cmdr. Gabriel ‘Gabe’ Edwards (U.S. Navy photo)

The U.S. Navy has now identified the missing sailor from a helicopter emergency landing in the Arabian Sea last week as Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, who was commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5.

“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,” said Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10.

“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.”

On July 5, after more than 102 hours of continuous search and rescue efforts covering over 14,000 square miles, the Navy suspended extensive search efforts involving ships and aircraft from two carrier strike groups, two Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadrons flying P-8A Poseidon aircraft and multiple U.S. Air Force aircraft.

On July 1 at 3:30 a.m., the aircrew of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to USS George H.W. Bush conducted an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea.

Three of the chopper’s four crew members were recovered and were listed in stable condition aboard George H.W. Bush.

U.S. Sailors maintain an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (CENTCOM photo)

“Cmdr. Gabe Edwards was the epitome of selfless leadership, who dedicated himself to service and sacrifice for the last 20 years,” said Capt. Matthew Lewis, commander of Carrier Air Wing 7.

“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.”

Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, two children, a large extended family, and brothers and sisters in the naval aviation community.

“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,” said Rebecca Edwards.

“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.”

The Edwards family 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,” said Mrs. Edwards. “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.”

The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and there is no indication the emergency was caused by hostile action.

As WorldNetDaily reported, the emergency water landing took place a day after the U.S. military posted photos showing sailors maintaining an MH-60S Sea Hawk, though it has not been released if it was the same exact chopper that went down.

U.S. Sailors maintain an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in the Arabian Sea. pic.twitter.com/HTl583M6zT

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 30, 2026

U.S. sailors were seen maintaining an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in the Arabian Sea yesterday.

Today, the same helicopter reportedly crashed. pic.twitter.com/raCryA89tj

— Osint World (@OsiOsint1) July 1, 2026

U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., a former Navy helicopter pilot herself, said: “Cmdr. Edwards made the ultimate sacrifice while commanding HSC-5 in support of military operations in the Middle East, and we will be forever grateful for his service to our nation. We thank the Sailors and Airmen who worked tirelessly over the past several days to support recovery efforts, and we continue to hold Cmdr. Edwards’ wife and children in prayer as they navigate this tremendous loss.”

Christine Drazan, an Oregon state senator and Republican candidate for governor, said: “Behind every service member is a family that quietly shares in the sacrifices of military life. Today, one Oregon family is mourning an unimaginable loss.

“We mourn the loss of Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, honor his service and remember the example of duty and selflessness he leaves behind. Rest in peace.”

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