Sailor missing in Arabian Sea declared dead

Defense Sailor missing in Arabian Sea declared dead Comments: by Ellen Mitchell - 07/08/26 11:46 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Ellen Mitchell - 07/08/26 11:46 AM ET Comments: Link copied

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The U.S. Navy has identified the airman lost over the Arabian Sea earlier this month as Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, the service announced Wednesday.

Edwards, originally of Oakland, Ore., was the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 5 when he went missing on July 1 following his MH-60S Seahawk helicopter’s emergency landing in the Arabian Sea.

He was declared dead after more than 102 hours of continuous search and rescue efforts covering over 14,000 square miles, with the Navy suspending search efforts on July 5.

The search involved ships and aircraft from two carrier strike groups, two Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadrons flying P-8A Poseidon aircraft and multiple Air Force aircraft, according to the Navy.

Three other crew members were recovered after the landing and are in stable condition.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation, but “there is no indication the emergency was caused by hostile action,” the Navy said.

“Commander Gabe Edwards was the epitome of selfless leadership, who dedicated himself to service and sacrifice for the last 20 years,” Capt. Matthew Lewis, commander of Carrier Air Wing 7, said in a statement. “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 after he graduated in 2006 from Norfolk State University. He earned his aviator “Wings of Gold” in 2008 as a helicopter pilot and served with HSC-22, the “Sea Knights”; HSC-84, the “Red Wolves”; Naval Special Warfare Group (NSWG) 4 as the air-to-ground fires office and Joint Terminal Attack Controller; HSC-85, the “Firehawks”; and assumed his last command of HSC-5, the “Nightdippers,” in July 2025.

His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Edwards was also selected for promotion to Captain in fiscal 2027.

He 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.”

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 is currently deployed in the Middle East on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush.

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