Navy Ends Search For Sailor Lost When Sea Hawk Helicopter Went Down
ARABIAN SEA
— The U.S. Navy has identified Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, as the sailor lost following an emergency water landing by an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter in the Arabian Sea.
The Navy formally concluded search and rescue operations after more than 102 hours of multi-branch search efforts covering over 14,000 square miles. Three other crew members on board were recovered safely and reported in stable condition.
I. Emergency Landing and Search Operations
The incident occurred when an MH-60S Seahawk assigned to HSC-5, embarked on the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, executed an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea.
Following the landing, three crew members were promptly rescued, while a comprehensive search operation was initiated for Cmdr. Edwards. The search utilized destroyers, fixed-wing aircraft from two carrier strike groups, P-8A Poseidon patrol squadrons, and U.S. Air Force assets before being suspended. Military officials stated that the cause of the incident remains under investigation, adding that there is no indication the landing was caused by hostile action.
II. Service Record and Career History
Cmdr. Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006 with a degree in physics and was commissioned through the Naval ROTC program. He earned his aviator wings in 2008 and accumulated over 2,000 flight hours during a 20-year career.
His naval service included assignments with HSC-22 (“Sea Knights”), HSC-84 (“Red Wolves”), Naval Special Warfare Group 4 as an air-to-ground fires officer, and HSC-85 (“Firehawks”). Edwards assumed command of HSC-5 (“Nightdippers”) in July 2025 and had been selected for promotion to captain. His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
III. Leadership Tributes and Family Statement
Naval leadership praised Cmdr. Edwards for his selfless service and dedication to his unit. Capt. Matthew Lewis, commander of Carrier Air Wing 7, commended Edwards for leading HSC-5 with integrity and fortitude throughout his command tenure.
In a public statement, his wife, Rebecca Edwards, expressed gratitude to the military personnel who participated in the search efforts and paid tribute to her husband’s commitment to his country, squadron, and family. Cmdr. Edwards is survived by his wife and two children.
