- The Navy also commended his outstanding performance prior to and during deployment
A Nigerian-born United States Naval Officer, Michael Aregbesola, tragically passed away in the Red Sea after falling overboard during a mission.
Confirming his demise, the US Navy announced on Saturday that Aregbosola, assigned to the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, was deployed with a detachment aboard Mason, which has been operating in the US 5th Fleet since November.
In a statement released on the Naval website, the Pentagon stated, “The U.S. Navy on Saturday identified the Sailor lost overboard from USS Mason (DDG 87) while operating in the Red Sea on March 20.”
“Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, assigned to the ‘Swamp Foxes’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, was deployed with a detachment aboard Mason, which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet since November.
The Navy also commended his outstanding performance prior to and during deployment.
“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,” the statement added.
Aregbesola, of Florida, joined the Navy in July 2020. He reported to HSM-74 in December 2020.