Navy identifies U.S. sailor lost overboard in the Red Sea

The Pentagon has confirmed Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola died after falling overboard the USS Mason (pictured) in the Red

A Navy sailor who tragically lost his life after going overboard while serving in the Red Sea has been identified by the Pentagon.

Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, aged 34, hailing from Miramar, Florida, passed away on March 20 due to a 'non-combat related incident,' with an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of his death.

The U.S. Navy confirmed Aregbesola as 'the Sailor lost overboard from USS Mason (DDG 87) while operating in the Red Sea on March 20.'

Aregbesola enlisted in the Navy in July 2020 and was assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74, known as the 'Swamp Foxes,' in December 2020.

'Petty Officer Aregbesola exemplified the selflessness and dedicated warrior ethos of a United States Navy Sailor,' stated Commander Eric Kohut.

'His exceptional contributions both before and during deployment extended beyond aircraft maintenance; he genuinely valued and respected every member of the ship/air team. 'He will remain in the hearts of every Swamp Fox and our fellow comrades in the IKE Carrier Strike Group. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family,' Kohut expressed.

The USS Mason has been in the Red Sea since November to counter terror threats from the Houthis following a series of drone and missile strikes on commercial vessels

His squadron had been deployed to the USS Mason, which has been active in the U.S. 5th Fleet in the Red Sea since November.

In December, the Pentagon announced the United States' participation in a 10-nation military alliance to counter terrorism threats in the Red Sea, following a series of drone and missile strikes on commercial vessels.

Among the members of this pact, which includes the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain,