On Tuesday, the US Navy identified the commander. Gabriel Edwards as missing sailor who was on board the helicopter that crashed in the Arabian Sea on July 1.
Edwards, commander of Helicopter Maritime Combat Squadron 5, was missing when three members of the four-person MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter crew were rescued at sea after what the U.S. Navy said was emergency water landing. The search for Edwards was suspended after more than 102 hours, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said Sunday.
“The thoughts and prayers of every member of Carrier Strike Group 10 are with the Edwards family. Although we are far from home, our sincere support remains at your side,” Rear Adm. Todd Simikata, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, said in a statement Tuesday.
Chimikata remembered Edwards as a “fearless leader” whose legacy will never be forgotten.
US Navy/Cmdr. Biography of Gabe Edwards
Acting Navy Secretary Hong Cao said in a statement that he had ordered Edwards’ posthumous promotion to his chosen rank of captain.
“I am deeply grateful to every sailor and airman who participated in the search and continue to support their family, friends and shipmates,” Cao said.
Edwards was a native of Oakland, Oregon, who served for 20 years after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and enlisting in the Navy Corps.
He earned the rank of Wings of Gold in 2008 as a helicopter pilot and served with HSC-22, HSC-84, NSWG 4, HSC-85 and took command of HSC-5 last July, according to the Navy.
The search included multiple aircraft carriers, guided missile destroyers, helicopter squadrons, anti-submarine squadrons and U.S. Air Force aircraft, according to the U.S. Navy.
Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and two children, troopers said.
“We are deeply grateful to every Sailor, Airman and Airman who dedicated countless hours, extraordinary skill and unwavering determination to the effort to bring Gabe home,” Rebecca Edwards said in a statement. “Gabe dedicated his life to serving his country with honor, courage and dedication. He led with humility, integrity and compassion, always putting his people before himself. To those who served with 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.”
The three rescued crew members were returned to the USS George H. W. Bush, to which the helicopter was assigned.
The cause of the emergency landing is under investigation, the Navy said. The military said there was “no indication” that the helicopter was shot down as a result of hostile action.
Emily Mae Chachor and
contributed to this report.