The U.S. Navy has provided a major update on its search for a missing crew member.
The U.S. Navy has identified the airman who went missing over the Arabian Sea earlier this month as Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, the service announced Wednesday.
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Edwards, a native of Oakland, Ore., was the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 5 when he went missing July 1 after his MH-60S Seahawk helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea.
The Navy called off the search July 5 after more than 102 hours of round-the-clock search and rescue efforts over an area covering more than 14,000 square miles.
The search included ships and aircraft from two carrier strike groups, two patrol and reconnaissance squadrons flying P-8A Poseidon aircraft and several Air Force aircraft, the Navy said.
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Three other crew members were retrieved 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,” said Capt. Matthew Lewis, commander of Carrier Air Wing 7, 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,” Capt. Matthew Lewis added.
Edwards was commissioned through the Naval ROTC program after graduating from Norfolk State University in 2006.
He earned his aviator “Wings of Gold” in 2008 as a helicopter pilot and served with HSC-22, the “Sea Knights,” and HSC-84, the “Red Wolves”; Naval Special Warfare Group 4 as the air-to-ground fires office and Joint Terminal Attack Controller; HSC-85, the “Firehawks,” and took command of HSC-5, the “Nightdippers,” in July 2025, his last command.
His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Edwards was selected for promotion to Captain in FY 2027 as well.
He leaves behind his wife, Rebecca Edwards, 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,” Edwards added.
There is no evidence that hostile action was involved in the emergency landing, although the cause is still under investigation, military officials said.
Equally remarkable is what the Navy didn’t say.
No cause has been given for the emergency landing. There is no explanation for the loss of one crew member and the recovery of the other four.
The loss raised to 14 the official American toll of war dead in the fighting with Iran.
The number has slowly risen as U.S. forces operate across a volatile theater that stretches from the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz and into the broader Central Command footprint.
There have been harrowing episodes already in this conflict.
President Trump had previously promised to jail a leaker who disclosed a live rescue operation of a downed pilot in Iran, an act that highlighted the peril for American pilots and the security threat of unauthorized disclosures during active missions.
The campaign has seen flash points in the Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. naval forces have had multiple encounters with Iranian forces, including the sinking of Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz as the administration warned Tehran of rising consequences.
Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. still wants a diplomatic solution, while President Trump wants to make a deal with Iran.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
