IN THIS ISSUE
U.S. Navy identifies missing sailor as HSC-5 Commanding Officer
The U.S. Navy identifies Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, as the missing Sailor following a helicopter’s emergency landing in the Arabian Sea, July 1. Page A3
NORFOLK, Va. (July 9, 2026) Sailors assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) depart the ship at Naval Station Norfolk, July 9, 2026, following a successful Southern Seas deployment to U.S. 4th Fleet and participation in Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250 and International Naval Review (INR) 250. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS OSCAR PICHARDO)
USS Nimitz arrives to final homeport of Naval Station Norfolk Courtesy Story COMMANDER, U.S. 2ND FLEET
NORFOLK, Va. — Nearly 3,000 Sailors of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk following a historic and successful four-month deployment to the U.S. Southern Command areas of operations, and participation in Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250 and the International Naval Review (INR) 250, July 9. “Nimitz and its crew performed outstandingly as they demonstrated unity, shared values, and commitment to global maritime security alongside our nation’s partnersandallies,”saidRearAdm.Forrest Young, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8. “I am proud to have them join the Carrier Strike Group 8 team and to welcome them home.” The Nimitz deployed in support of partnership building, homeland defense, and hemispheric security. Nimitz also partic-
ipated in Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 2026 with allied and partner nations in the Atlantic, and proudly represented the nation and the Navy at International Naval Review (INR) 250. “I am profoundly proud of the way Nimitz Sailors professionally represented our Navy and our Nation during this milestone deployment,” said Capt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of Nimitz. “These extraordinary men and women truly embodied the Nimitz motto, ‘Teamwork, A Tradition,’ as we helped build America’s global maritime team throughout Southern Seas 2026, Fleet Exercise 250, and finally, International Naval Review 250. All of us onboard are also extremely thankful to the City of Norfolk for welcoming us back to this ship’s first and final homeport.” Nimitz visited ports in Panama, Chile, Brazil, and Jamaica during the deploy-
NORFOLK, Va. (July 9, 2026) Machinist Mate 1st Class Michael Gipson, assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) , embraces his children on the pier at Naval Station Norfolk, July 9, 2026. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS OSCAR PICHARDO)
See USS NIMITZ on Page A2
Carrier Strike Group 8 holds change of command Courtesy Story USS HARRY S TRUMAN
NORFOLK,Va.—RearAdm.ForrestYoung was relieved by Rear Adm. Matthew J. Kawas as commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, during a change of command ceremony at Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 126, July 15, 2026. The ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibility for a strike group built on warfighting readiness, disciplined standards and the Sailors who deliver CSG-8’s combat power. “When I took command of the strike group last summer, I asked our teams to focus on teamwork, readiness, safety, stewardship and resiliency,” said Young. “As I reflect on our time together, I remain impressed by how every team responded to that challenge.” Young assumed command of CSG-8 in June 2025 after serving as director of operations and plans, N3, at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. During his time in command, he guided the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group through a demanding sustainment and readiness cycle, oversaw USS Harry S. Truman’s transition toward
Refueling and Complex Overhaul, and led the strike group through high-visibility national and international events. Under Young’s leadership, CSG-8 sustained combat readiness across assigned ships, aircraft squadrons and staffs. The strike group supported operations in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility, helped advance Carrier Air Wing ONE tactical readiness, and contributed to multinational maritime coordination during events demonstrating allied interoperability and naval strength. A career naval aviator and graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), Young completed nine carrier deployments supporting Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, flew more than 80 combat missions, and accumulated more than 3,800 flight hours and more than 1,100 arrested landings aboard 10 aircraft carriers. Kawas reported to CSG-8 after serving as deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and deputy commander, NORFOLK, Va. (July 15, 2026) Rear Adm. Forrest Young, outgoing commander, Carrier U.S. 5th Fleet. A nuclear-trained surface Strike Group (CSG) 8, salutes as sideboys render honors following a change of command warfare officer, his previous assignments ceremony at Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 126. Rear Adm. Matthew J.
Kawas relieved Young as commander of CSG 8 during the ceremony. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY
See CSG 8 on Page A3
MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST SEAMAN MADELYN CUEVAS)
USS Fort Lauderdale completes maiden deployment with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group Page A6
THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY
SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS: Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered to your door for free!
CALL TODAY! 757.446.9000