Navy identifies sailor lost in helicopter crash as squadron commander

Navy officials have identified Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, as the sailor who went missing after an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush crashed last week into the Arabian Sea.

Edwards was one of four crewmembers on board the helicopter. The other three sailors survived and were recovered.

“The thoughts and prayers of every member of the Carrier Strike Group 10 team are with the Edwards family.” Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10, said in a statement.  “While we are far from home, our heartfelt support remains at your side. 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.”

There was no indication that the July 1 crash was caused by hostile action, according to the Navy’s 5th Fleet, which termed the mishap an “emergency landing.” The 5th Fleet oversees about 2.5 million square miles of water including the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and parts of the Indian Ocean.

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The search for Edwards spanned more than 102 hours and 14,000 square miles, according to a Navy news release. The effort involved five destroyers; fixed-wing aircraft from the Bush and a second carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln; two P-8 Poseidon squadrons; and several aircraft from the Air Force.

An investigation into the crash is underway.

Edwards assumed command of the squadron, known as the “Nightdippers,” in July 2025 and was selected for promotion to captain by the fiscal year 2027 O6 line officer promotion board, according to the Navy. The squadron flies the MH-60S, which Navy fliers call the “Sierra.” The helicopters are tasked with a wide range of missions including submarine and surface warfare, search and rescue, and air assaults with Marines and Navy SEALs.

Edwards flew more than 2,000 flight hours in the MH-60S and other helicopters, and his military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various unit and campaign awards.

Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and two children.

“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,” Rebecca Edwards said in a statement. “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.”

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