Around thirty days after Emergence Day, Gaffney's hometown of Halvo Bay came under attack from a massive Locust assault, and Gaffney was part of the effort to defend the city. Gaffney was stationed at the Museum of Military Glory, but was killed in a Locust ambush, being the first to die. Gaffney's COG Tag was later recovered by Lt. Damon Baird of Kilo Squad.