A Navy sailor, who died after falling overboard while serving in the Red Sea, has been identified by the Pentagon.
Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, 34, of Miramar, Florida, died March 20, 2024 as a result of a ‘non-combat related incident’ and an investigation into his death has been initiated.
The U.S. Navy said Aregbesola was “the Sailor lost overboard from USS Mason (DDG 87) while operating in the Red Sea, March 20.”
Aregbesola joined the Navy in July 2020 and reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74, known as ‘Swamp Foxes,’ in December 2020.
“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.
His squadron was deployed to the USS Mason, which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet in the Red Sea since November.
The Pentagon announced in December the U.S. was 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.
Members of the alliance – which also include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain – have said the attacks were in response to the Hamas-Israel war.
The Houthi, which rules much of Yemen, said its attacks were a show of support for the Palestinians and has vowed they will continue until Israel stops its offensive on the Gaza Strip – more than 1,000 miles from the Houthi seat of power in Sanaa.
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