Officials awaiting update on missing Navy aircrewman
Jennifer Griffin, the Chief National Security Correspondent, brings the latest on the search efforts for a US Navy aircrewman still missing in the Arabian Sea following an emergency water landing by a Seahawk helicopter from the USS George H.W. Bush. She also notes the diminished commercial activity through the Strait of Hormuz and the considerable expenses involved with deploying the National Guard in Washington, D.C.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Navy revealed that Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards was the sailor unaccounted for after the MH-60S helicopter’s forced water landing in the Arabian Sea, which occurred last week.
Commander Edwards, who leads Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 (HSC-5), went missing when the helicopter assigned to USS George H.W. Bush conducted an emergency water landing on July 1, as stated by the Navy.
Out of the four crew members aboard the helicopter, three were successfully rescued. However, the Navy called off the search for the missing sailor on Sunday.
The U.S. Navy has named Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards as the sailor lost after the MH-60S helicopter conducted an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea. (Courtesy Photo | Cmdr. Gabe Edwards Bio Photo)
According to the Navy, the search for Edwards lasted more than 102 hours and covered more than 14,000 square miles.
“The thoughts and prayers of every member of the Carrier Strike Group 10 team are with the Edwards family,” Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, said in a statement.
“While we are far from home, our heartfelt support remains at your side,” Cimicata continued. “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.”
Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 aboard the USS George H.W. Bush when he was lost at sea in the Arabian Sea, according to the Navy. (CENTCOM)
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said he has directed that Edwards be posthumously promoted to the rank of captain.
“I am deeply grateful to every sailor and airman who took part in the search and who continue to support his family, friends, and shipmates,” Cao said in a statement.
Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006 before earning his Wings of Gold as a Navy helicopter pilot in 2008, according to the Navy. He assumed command of HSC-5 in July 2025.
Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, was posthumously promoted to captain following his death, the Navy said. (Cpl Matthew Williams; Courtesy Photo | Cmdr. Gabe Edwards Bio Photo)
Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and two children, the Navy said.
“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,” she continued. “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.”
During his career, Edwards logged more than 2,000 flight hours in multiple Navy helicopter platforms and had been selected for promotion to captain, according to the Navy.
HSC-5 is currently deployed to the Middle East aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. The Navy said mental health professionals, chaplains and other support personnel are assisting members of the squadron and the ship’s crew.
The Navy said the cause of the incident remains under investigation and that there is no indication the emergency water landing resulted from hostile action.