34-year-old Nigerian identified as US sailor lost overboard in the Red Sea

Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, a sailor serving aboard the USS Mason, was reported overboard on Wednesday, according to military officials. He was part of the "Swamp Foxes" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74.

Aregbesola, a 34-year-old resident of Florida, enlisted in the Navy in July 2020.

"Petty Officer Aregbesola exemplified the selfless character and dedicated warrior spirit of a United States Navy Sailor," stated Cmdr. Eric Kohut, commanding officer of HSM-74. "His exceptional performance both before and during deployment extended far beyond aircraft maintenance; he valued every member of the ship/air team and demonstrated outstanding commitment."

The Department of Defense confirmed that Aregbesola's death resulted from a non-combat-related incident, which is currently under investigation.

Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, recently disclosed to "60 Minutes" that approximately 7,000 American sailors were deployed in the Red Sea region.

In October 2020, right after his enlistment, Aregbesola shared his experience of enduring years of unemployment before finding his place in the US Navy. "I spent many years without a job; my home country (Nigeria, which I have since renounced) let me down. However, the US Navy recognized my potential and transformed me into a skilled sailor, specializing in jet engines," he posted on Twitter (now X).