A Nigerian-born United States Naval Officer, Oriola Michael Aregbesola, 34, tragically lost his life in the Red Sea after falling overboard during an operation. The US Navy confirmed his passing on Saturday, revealing that Aregbesola was part of the “Swamp Foxes” squadron, attached to the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, deployed aboard the USS Mason.
In a statement released on the Naval website, the Pentagon identified Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola as the sailor lost overboard from USS Mason (DDG 87) on March 20 while conducting operations in the Red Sea. Aregbesola had been deployed with his detachment aboard Mason as part of the US 5th Fleet since November.
Commander Eric Kohut, the commanding officer of HSM-74, paid tribute to Aregbesola, stating,
“Petty Officer Aregbesola fully embodied the selfless character and thoughtful warrior spirit of the United States Navy Sailor,’ said Commander Eric Kohut.
“His outstanding performance prior to and during deployment went well beyond aircraft maintenance; he truly saw and valued every member of the ship/air team.
“He will continue on in the heart of every Swamp Fox and our brothers and sisters in the IKE Carrier Strike Group. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with his family,” said Kohut.
The statement said his squadron was deployed to the USS Mason, which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet in the Red Sea since November.
Recall that the Pentagon announced in December the U.S. is joining forces in a 10-nation military pact to try and counter terror threats in the Red Sea after a series of drone and missile strikes on commercial vessels.
Aregbesola, who hailed from Florida, enlisted in the Navy in July 2020 and joined HSM-74 in December of the same year, THE PUNCH reported. His journey to the Navy was marked by personal triumph, as he expressed on Twitter after securing his position, “I was jobless for so many years. My country of birth (Nigeria now renounced) failed me, but the U.S. Navy saw potential in me and made me a fine ass sailor, working on jet engines.”