The US Navy on Tuesday recognized Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards because the sailor misplaced at sea after an MH-60S helicopter made an emergency water touchdown within the Arabian Sea final week.
Edwards, the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron 5 (HSC-5), went lacking after the helicopter assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush made an emergency water touchdown on July 1, in response to the Navy.
Three of the helicopter’s 4 crew members have been efficiently recovered, however the Navy suspended its seek for the lacking sailor on Sunday.
In keeping with the Navy, the seek for Edwards lasted greater than 102 hours and lined greater than 14,000 sq. miles.
“The ideas and prayers of each member of the Provider Strike Group 10 crew are with the Edwards household,” Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander of Provider Strike Group 10, stated in an announcement.
“Whereas we’re removed from house, our heartfelt assist stays at your aspect,” Cimicata continued. “Gabe’s legacy as a husband, father, buddy and fearless chief won’t ever be forgotten. We’re grateful to every who carry a singular and indelible a part of Gabe’s reminiscence with us as we proceed this vital mission.”
Appearing Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao stated he has directed that Edwards be posthumously promoted to the rank of captain.
“I’m deeply grateful to each sailor and airman who took half within the search and who proceed to assist his household, mates, and shipmates,” Cao stated in an announcement.
Edwards, a local of Oakland, Oregon, graduated from Norfolk State College in 2006 earlier than incomes his Wings of Gold as a Navy helicopter pilot in 2008, in response to the Navy.
He assumed command of HSC-5 in July 2025.
Edwards is survived by his spouse, Rebecca, and two youngsters, the Navy stated.
“We’re profoundly grateful to each Sailor, aviator, and Airman who devoted numerous hours, extraordinary talent, and unwavering dedication within the effort to carry Gabe house,” Rebecca Edwards stated in an announcement.
“Gabe has devoted his life to serving his nation with honor, braveness, and dedication,” she continued. “He led with humility, integrity, and compassion, at all times placing his folks earlier than himself. To those that served alongside him, he was a revered chief and mentor. To our household, he’s the love of my life, a unprecedented father to his youngsters, and the inspiration of our house. His biggest pleasure was at all times his household.”
Throughout his profession, Edwards logged greater than 2,000 flight hours in a number of Navy helicopter platforms and had been chosen for promotion to captain, in response to the Navy.
HSC-5 is at present deployed to the Center East aboard the USS George H.W. Bush.
The Navy stated psychological well being professionals, chaplains and different assist personnel are aiding members of the squadron and the ship’s crew.
The Navy stated the reason for the incident stays below investigation and that there is no such thing as a indication the emergency water touchdown resulted from hostile motion.
