The U.S. Navy on Tuesday identified Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards as the sailor who went missing after an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter made an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea on July 1.
Edwards and three others were aboard the aircraft, which was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, according to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet. The landing occurred at about 3:30 a.m. EST.
Three crew members were recovered and were last reported in stable condition aboard the carrier. The search for Edwards continued for more than 102 hours across more than 14,000 square miles before it was suspended at 3 p.m. AST on Sunday, July 5, the Navy said.
The Navy and Air Force led the search-and-rescue effort in the U.S. Central Command area. It included ships and aircraft from two carrier strike groups, two patrol and reconnaissance squadrons flying P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and multiple Air Force aircraft.
Edwards was from Oakland, Oregon, and graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in physics. He was commissioned through Naval ROTC and earned his aviator “Wings of Gold” in 2008.
He served with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 84, Naval Special Warfare Group 4, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 85. He took command of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 in July 2025 and had been selected for promotion to captain by the fiscal 2027 O-6 Line Officer Promotion Board, the Navy said.
Edwards logged more than 2,000 flight hours in the SH-60F, HH-60H, and MH-60S. His awards included the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and unit and campaign awards.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and their two children. In a statement, Rebecca Edwards said, “Gabe has dedicated his life to serving his country with honor, courage and commitment.”