[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1730
                   HONORING COMMANDER GABRIEL EDWARDS

  (Ms. HOYLE of Oregon asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. HOYLE of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in honor of Commander 
Gabriel Edwards, from Oakland, Oregon, who died while serving as the 
commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 in the Arabian 
Sea.
  After 4 days of searching over 14,000 square miles, the Navy declared 
him lost at sea during an emergency helicopter landing.
  Gabriel earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 2008 and received 
several awards during his service, including the Defense Meritorious 
Service Medal. He knew he wanted to be a pilot at just 4 years old.
  This is how his wife, Rebecca, described him: ``Gabe has dedicated 
his life to serving his country with honor, courage, and commitment. He 
led with humility, integrity, and compassion, always putting his people 
before himself. To those who served alongside him, he was a respected 
leader and mentor.''
  My thoughts are with Rebecca and their two children during this time. 
I am glad to know the Secretary of the Navy has directed that Edwards 
be posthumously promoted to the rank of captain.
  His heroism will never be forgotten, and I know all of us in Oregon 
and around the country thank him for his honorable service. May his 
memory be a blessing.

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