U.S. Navy identifies missing sailor as HSC-5 commanding officer

The U.S. Navy has halted its search in the Arabian Sea for Cmdr. Gabriel “Gabe” Edwards, the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, after more than 102 hours of continuous efforts that spanned over 14,000 square miles, the service said. The suspension took effect July 5 following an expansive air-and-sea operation that drew assets from two Carrier Strike Groups, two P-8A Poseidon patrol squadrons, and multiple U.S. Air Force aircraft.

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

Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006 with a physics degree and earned his “Wings of Gold” as a helicopter pilot in 2008. His assignments included HSC-22, HSC-84, Naval Special Warfare Group 4 as an air-to-ground fires officer and Joint Terminal Attack Controller, and HSC-85. He took command of HSC-5 in July 2025 and was selected for promotion to captain by the Fiscal Year 2027 O-6 Line Officer Promotion Board.

“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 (CVW) 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, building a cohesive organization that will continue to embody the exceptional standards he set while in command and throughout his naval career.”

Edwards accrued more than 2,000 flight hours in SH-60F, HH-60H, and MH-60S helicopter airframes. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and multiple unit and campaign awards.

“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,” said Rebecca Edwards. “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.”

The family thanked the HSC-5 Nightdippers, the wider naval aviation community, and supporters around the world for their messages and prayers. “As we begin to face the difficult road ahead, we respectfully ask for privacy as we grieve together as a family,” said Rebecca Edwards. “We find comfort in knowing that Gabe lived a life of extraordinary purpose, devoted to his country, his squadron, and above all, the family he loved so completely.”

HSC-5 is currently deployed to the Middle East aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush as part of CVW-7. Mental health professionals, counselors, chaplains, and religious program support personnel are assisting the squadron and ship’s crew, according to the Navy.

The search effort included HSC-5 and HSM-46 from USS George H.W. Bush; fixed-wing aircraft from CVW-7 and CVW-9; helicopter squadrons HSC-14 and HSM-71 from USS Abraham Lincoln; the destroyers USS Ross, USS Donald Cook, USS Higgins, USS Mason, and USS John Finn with HSM-51; two patrol squadrons flying P-8A aircraft; and multiple U.S. Air Force aircraft.

The Navy said the cause of the incident remains under investigation and that there is no indication it was caused by hostile action.

Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, their two children, and a large extended family, along with colleagues and friends across the naval aviation community.