this U.S. Navy Commander Gabriel Edwards has been identified as the sailor missing after a helicopter made an emergency ditching. arabian sea July 1st.
Who is Gabriel Edwards?
The U.S. Navy has confirmed that the sailor missing after a helicopter made an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea on July 1 was Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 Commander Gabriel Edwards.
Edwards was one of four crew members aboard the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter. Three crew members were rescued, but Edwards remains missing. The search for him was suspended after more than 102 hours.
Edwards was born in Auckland oregon Graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in physics. U.S. Navy. He joined the Navy through the Naval ROTC program and earned the Gold Wing as a helicopter pilot in 2008 pilot.
He served in HSC-22 (Sea Knights); HSC-84, Red Wolves; Naval Special Warfare Group (NSWG) 4 as an air-to-surface fires officer and joint terminal attack controller and HSC-85 (Firehawks) before assuming command of HSC-5 (Night Stalkers) in July 2025.
The Navy said Edwards has more than 2,000 flight hours in SH-60F, HH-60H and MH-60S helicopters. He was a three-time recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal twice, and multiple unit and campaign awards.
Edwards was also selected to captain by the Fiscal Year 2027 O-6 Line Officer Promotion Board.
Tributes are pouring in
“Every member of CSG 10 is in our thoughts and prayers with the Edwards family,” said Rear Adm. Todd Simikata, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. “While we are far from home, we have your heartfelt support.”
“Gabe’s legacy as a husband, father, friend and fearless leader will never be forgotten. As we continue this important mission, we are grateful to everyone who has left us with Gabe’s unique and indelible memory.”
Edwards is survived by his wife Rebecca, two children, an extended family and brothers and sisters in the naval aviation community.
“Our sincere gratitude goes to every sailor, airman and airman who dedicated countless hours, extraordinary skills and sheer determination to try to bring Gabe home,” Rebecca Edwards said in a statement.
