Officials are awaiting information about the missing Navy airmen
Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin updates viewers on the ongoing search for a US Navy airman missing in the Arabian Sea, following the emergency water landing of a Seahawk helicopter from the aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush. He highlights the decline in commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the high cost of sending the National Guard to Washington, DC.
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The US military on Tuesday identified Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards as the sailor lost at sea after the MH-60S helicopter made an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea last week.
Edwards, the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 (HSC-5), went missing after a helicopter assigned to the USS George HW Bush made an emergency landing on July 1, according to the Navy.
Three of the helicopter’s four crew members were successfully located, but the Air Force suspended its search for the missing sailor on Sunday.
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The US Navy identified Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards as a sailor lost at sea after an MH-60S helicopter made an emergency 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 all members of Carrier Strike Group 10 are with the Edwards family,” said Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, in a statement.
“While we are far from home, our heartfelt support is always close to you,” continued Cimicata. “Gabe’s legacy as a husband, father, friend and fearless leader will never be forgotten. We thank each person who carries a unique and indelible part of Gabe’s memory as we continue this important work.”
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Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 on the USS George HW 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 had ordered Edwards to be promoted to captain.
“I am very grateful to all the sailors and airmen who participated 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 helicopter pilot in 2008, according to the Navy. He assumed command of HSC-5 in July 2025.
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Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, was promoted to captain following his death, the Navy said. (Cpl Matthew Williams; Photo Courtesy | Cmdr. Gabe Edwards Bio Photo)
Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and two children, the Navy said.
“We are so grateful to every sailor, pilot and Airman who gave countless hours, incredible skill, and unwavering determination in the effort to bring Gabe home,” Rebecca Edwards said in a statement.
“Gabe gave his life to serve his country with respect, courage and dedication,” he continued. “He led with humility, integrity, and compassion, always putting his people before him. For those who served near him, he was a respected leader and mentor. In 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 his family at all times.”
During his career, Edwards logged more than 2,000 flight hours at multiple Navy helicopter bases and was selected for promotion to captain, according to the Navy.
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HSC-5 is currently deployed to the Middle East aboard the USS George HW Bush. The Navy said mental health professionals, chaplains and other support staff are helping crew members and the ship’s crew.
The navy said the cause of the incident is under investigation and there is no indication that the sudden lowering of the water was caused by a malicious act.
