A U.S. Navy sailor tragically lost his life last week after falling overboard while on deployment in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, the Department of Defense confirmed.
Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola fell from the destroyer USS Mason on March 20, according to a statement released by the military branch. Despite extensive search and recovery efforts, Aregbesola could not be located, and he was declared lost.
The Pentagon stated that his death resulted from “a non-combat-related incident,” and an investigation into the circumstances is ongoing. The news of Aregbesola’s untimely death reverberated throughout the Navy community, with fellow servicemembers and commanding officers expressing their condolences and honoring his memory.
Cmdr. Eric Kohut, commanding officer of HSM-74, fondly remembered Aregbesola as a dedicated sailor who embodied the selfless spirit of the Navy. “Petty Officer Aregbesola fully embodied the selfless character and thoughtful warrior spirit of the United States Navy Sailor,” Cmdr.
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Kohut stated. “His outstanding performance before and during deployment went well beyond aircraft maintenance; he truly saw and valued every ship/air team member. He will continue 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.”
Aregbesola, a native of Florida, enlisted in the Navy in July 2020, driven by a sense of duty and commitment to serving his country. His tragic passing underscores the inherent risks sailors deployed in challenging maritime environments face.
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The incident evokes memories of previous maritime tragedies involving Navy personnel. In January 2024, two Navy SEALs went missing after falling from a ship into the Arabian Sea off the coast of Somalia.
The SEALs were part of a special operations team tasked with intercepting a vessel suspected of transporting illicit weapons to Yemen. Despite a 10-day search effort, they were declared deceased, highlighting the dangers inherent in maritime operations.
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The loss of Aregbesola serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemembers in the line of duty. As the Navy community mourns the passing of one of its own, efforts to support Aregbesola’s family and honor his legacy are underway.
The Navy remains committed to providing support to Aregbesola’s loved ones during this difficult time and ensuring that his service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
While the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Aregbesola’s death continues, his memory will endure as a testament to the bravery and dedication of all those who serve in the U.S. Navy.
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