Executive Officer
Cmdr. Gabriel V. Edwards
Cmdr. Gabe Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006, through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program. He was commissioned in May 2006, and designated a Naval Aviator in February 2008. After earning wings, CDR Edwards completed initial Fleet Replacement Pilot training on the MH-60S at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2 and reported to the Sea Knights of HSC-22. While assigned to HSC-22, Edwards supported operations across the United States 5th Fleet, aboard USS Bataan (LHD-5), and USS Kearsarge (LHD-3). His deployed missions consisted of various national tasks, United Nations Operation Odyssey Dawn and NATO Operation Unified Protector.
Assigned to the Red Wolves of HSC-84 in 2012, he deployed ashore four times in support of the United States Special Operations Command Central (USSOCCENT) Crisis Response Element. Then, in 2015, Edwards transferred to Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR, as the air-to-ground fires officer and Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). There, he managed the JTAC program and global force management for Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR.
Edwards received following assignment to the HSC-85 "Firehawks" from 2017 to 2020, where he deployed twice in support of United States Special Operations Command Pacific (USSOCPAC) and headed several squadron departments. Most recently, CDR Edwards was assigned to United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), as a branch and division chief for cyberspace exercises and wargames, J71.
Edwards has accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours in the SH-60F, HH-60H, and MH-60S airframes. He holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Information Management from the University of Oregon, a Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I certification from the US Air Force Air Command and Staff College, and JPME Phase II certificate from the National Defense University (NDU). His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various unit and campaign awards.