Oregon — Oregon public institutions will fly U.S. and Oregon flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on July 29 in honor of U.S. Navy Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, an Oakland native who died following an emergency helicopter landing in the Arabian Sea.
Governor Tina Kotek ordered the tribute pursuant to the United States Flag Code, recognizing Edwards’ nearly two decades of military service and sacrifice. Edwards died after a July 1 emergency landing involving his helicopter while deployed in the Middle East. Following more than 102 hours of search and rescue operations covering over 14,000 square miles, the U.S. Navy suspended its search on July 5 and later identified Edwards as the missing sailor.
“On behalf of the people of Oregon, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Commander Gabriel Edwards, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” Kotek said. “Commander Edwards embodied the highest ideals of duty, honor, and courage during his nearly two decades of service.”
A native of Oakland, Oregon, Edwards graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in physics before receiving his commission through the Naval ROTC program. He earned his “Wings of Gold” as a helicopter pilot in 2008 and served with multiple elite naval aviation and special warfare units, including Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons 22, 84 and 85, as well as Naval Special Warfare Group 4. He assumed command of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, known as the “Nightdippers,” in July 2025.
The Navy said Edwards accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours in SH-60F, HH-60H and MH-60S helicopters during his career. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and numerous unit and campaign awards. He had also been selected for promotion to captain.
Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, said Edwards’ legacy as “a husband, father, friend and fearless leader will never be forgotten.”
Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, their two children, and extended family. In a statement released by the Navy, Rebecca Edwards thanked the military personnel who participated in the search effort and described her husband as a leader who “led with humility, integrity, and compassion, always putting his people before himself.”
The Navy said the cause of the helicopter emergency remains under investigation and that there is no indication the incident was caused by hostile action.
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