Missing Navy crew member identified as helicopter squadron commander

Emma Rose Brown, The Virginian-Pilot on Jul 7, 2026

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

The Navy crew member who was lost in the Arabian Sea on July 1 has been identified.

Cmdr. Gabe Edwards was the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5. He assumed command of HSC-5 — the “Nightdippers” — in July 2025.

The Oregon native and Norfolk State University graduate is survived by his wife, Rebecca, 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,” 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.”

Edwards’ helicopter made an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea in the early hours of July 1. Three crew members were rescued and are listed in stable condition. Search and rescue efforts for Edwards were called off after a search spanning 102 hours and 14,000 square miles.

“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.”

According to a Navy press release, Edwards commissioned through the Naval ROTC. He earned his aviator “Wings of Gold” in 2008 as a helicopter pilot and served with HSC-22, the “Sea Knights;” HSC-84, the “Red Wolves;” Naval Special Warfare Group (NSWG) 4 as the air-to-ground fires office and Joint Terminal Attack Controller; HSC-85, the “Firehawks;” and assumed command of HSC-5, the “Nightdippers,” in July 2025. He was selected for promotion to Capt. by the Fiscal Year 2027 O-6 Line Officer Promotion Board.

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

The cause of the helicopter’s emergency landing is under investigation. Navy officials said there is no indication of hostile action.

_____