Navy Identifies Commander, Promotes Him Posthumously

The U.S. Navy has identified the sailor lost at sea after a helicopter emergency landing in the Arabian Sea earlier this month and has posthumously promoted him. Commander Gabriel Edwards, commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 (HSC-5), went missing on July 1 after the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter he was aboard made an emergency water landing. Three other crew members were rescued and returned safely to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush.

The Navy suspended its extensive search for Edwards on Sunday, July 5, after more than 102 hours of operations. The search covered over 14,000 square miles and involved multiple assets from the U.S. Navy and Air Force, including aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, and various squadrons. On Tuesday, July 7, the Navy formally identified Edwards as the missing sailor. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao directed that Edwards be posthumously promoted to the rank of captain.

In statements, Navy leaders expressed their condolences and highlighted Edwards' service. Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, said the entire strike group's thoughts and prayers were with the Edwards family. He...