The mishap occurred at roughly 3:30 a.m. Eastern time on July 1 while the helicopter was operating off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The carrier strike group was deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, conducting routine deterrence operations and maritime route security. Four personnel were aboard the multi-mission aircraft when it was forced into the water.

Rescue Efforts and Investigation

Rapid-response search-and-rescue units pulled three crew members from the sea within minutes of the ditching. All three survivors were transported back aboard the George H.W. Bush, where medical personnel evaluated and treated them for non-life-threatening injuries before listing them in stable condition. Cmdr. Edwards, however, was separated from the airframe and remained unaccounted for, triggering immediate theater-wide search protocols that rapidly drew in assets from across the region.