Oakland Native Identified as Navy Commander Missing After Helicopter Emergency in Arabian Sea

An Oakland, Oregon, native has been identified as the U.S. Navy sailor who went missing after a helicopter made an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea last week.

The Navy identified Cmdr. Gabriel “Gabe” Edwards as the missing sailor Tuesday. Edwards was the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, known as the “Nightdippers.”

The MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush, made an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea during the early morning hours of July 1. Three of the four crew members were rescued and returned to the aircraft carrier in stable condition. Edwards remained missing.

Ships and aircraft from two carrier strike groups, patrol squadrons and the U.S. Air Force searched for Edwards for more than 102 hours. The effort covered more than 14,000 square miles before the Navy suspended its search July 5.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Navy officials said there is no indication that hostile action caused the emergency.

From Oakland to Naval Aviation

Edwards grew up in Oakland before graduating from Norfolk State University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in physics. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps and earned his naval aviator “Wings of Gold” in 2008.

During nearly two decades of service, Edwards flew more than 2,000 hours in SH-60F, HH-60H and MH-60S helicopters. His assignments included service with several helicopter squadrons and Naval Special Warfare Group 4.

He took command of HSC-5 in July 2025 and had been selected for promotion to captain. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao has directed that Edwards receive the promotion posthumously.

His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and several unit and campaign awards.

Capt. Matthew Lewis, commander of Carrier Air Wing 7, described Edwards as the “epitome of selfless leadership” and said he led his squadron with integrity and strength.

Family Remembers Husband and Father

Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, their two children and an extended family.

Rebecca Edwards thanked the sailors, aviators and airmen who participated in the lengthy effort to bring her husband home. She remembered him as a humble and compassionate leader who always put others first.

“To our family, he is the love of my life, an extraordinary father to his children, and the foundation of our home,” she said. “His greatest joy was always his family.”

The family also expressed appreciation for the prayers and messages received from friends, the Nightdippers, members of the naval aviation community and people around the world.

“As we begin to face the difficult road ahead, we respectfully ask for privacy as we grieve together as a family,” Rebecca Edwards said. “We find comfort in knowing that Gabe lived a life of extraordinary purpose, devoted to his country, his squadron, and above all, the family he loved so completely.”