**WASHINGTON** — The U.S. Navy on Wednesday identified the airman who went missing over the Arabian Sea earlier this month as Cmdr. Gabriel “Gabe” Edwards, a 20-year naval aviator and commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5.
Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, disappeared July 1 after the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter he was aboard was forced to make an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea. Three other crew members were recovered and remain in stable condition. The Navy suspended the search on July 5 after more than 102 hours of continuous operations covering more than 14,000 square miles.
The intensive effort involved ships and aircraft from two carrier strike groups, P-8A Poseidon aircraft from two patrol and reconnaissance squadrons, and several U.S. Air Force aircraft. “There is no indication the emergency was caused by hostile action,” the Navy said. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
“Commander 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.”
Edwards was commissioned through the Naval ROTC program after graduating from Norfolk State University in 2006. He earned his Wings of Gold in 2008 and later served with HSC-22, HSC-84, Naval Special Warfare Group 4, and HSC-85 before taking command of HSC-5 in July 2025. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He had been selected for promotion to captain in fiscal year 2027.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Edwards, and their 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.”
The loss occurred amid heightened U.S. military activity across a volatile theater stretching from the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials have noted multiple encounters with Iranian forces in the region, though the Navy has emphasized that this specific emergency landing shows no signs of hostile action. The incident has been cited in broader tallies of American casualties tied to ongoing tensions.
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have both publicly stressed a preference for diplomacy alongside firm warnings to Tehran. Further details on the investigation are expected as the Navy continues its review.
