National Security & Defense

My ship, the USS Sampson, DDG10, spent many hours, days, nights on picket duty cruising one mile behind the various carriers, on alert to pick up crewmembers from the ship or aircraft that went in the water for any reason. We were the primary rescue crew; the carriers were much slower in turning around.

We were prepared for search and rescue, but never got the call while I was on board. I watched hundreds of takeoffs and landings by these wizards of the air, including at night; unbelievable skill.

So I know the commitment that every single soul had in carrying out this search, and the extreme disappointment at not being successful.

So R I P Commander Edwards, and condolences to the family.