Officials await updates on missing Navy crew member
Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin provided an update on the ongoing search for U.S. Navy crew members in the Arabian Sea. This came after a Seahawk helicopter had to make an emergency water landing from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. She noted a decrease in commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and commented on the significant expenses involved in deploying the National Guard to Washington, DC.
The U.S. Navy confirmed on Tuesday that the missing crew member is Commander Gabriel Edwards. Edwards was the commander of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 (HSC-5) and went missing following an MH-60S helicopter’s emergency splashdown on July 1. While three of the four crew members were recovered safely, the search for Edwards was suspended on Sunday.
The Navy reported that the search lasted over 102 hours, covering a vast area of more than 14,000 square miles. Maj. Gen. Todd Simikata, commander of the 10th Carrier Strike Group, expressed his support for the Edwards family, stating, “The thoughts and prayers of all members of our team are with you all.” He added that Edwards’ legacy as a leader and family man would be remembered.
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Kao announced that Edwards would posthumously be promoted to captain following his death. He expressed gratitude towards those involved in the search efforts and emphasized the care extended to Edwards’ family.
Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006 and earned his wings as a Navy pilot in 2008. He took command of HSC-5 in July 2025. According to the Navy, he is survived by his wife Rebecca and their two children.
In her statement, Rebecca expressed immense pride in her husband’s service and described him as a devoted leader and family man. She highlighted his dedication to putting his people first and noted the joy he found in family life.
Edwards amassed over 2,000 flight hours on various Navy helicopter platforms and was in line for promotion, according to the Navy. HSC-5 is currently deployed in the Middle East aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, with mental health professionals and support staff available for squadron members and the ship’s crew.
The Navy is still investigating the incident, and so far, there’s no evidence suggesting that the emergency water landing was due to enemy action.
