Nigerian-born US Naval Officer Michael Aregbesola Dies in Red Sea Fall Overboard

A Nigerian-born United States Naval Officer, Michael Aregbesola, met his untimely demise in the Red Sea after a tragic fall overboard while on duty.

Reports from the US Navy disclosed that Aregbesola was serving with the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 and was deployed aboard the USS Mason, which had been actively engaged in operations in the US 5th Fleet since November.

The tragic incident was confirmed by a statement from the Pentagon released on the Naval website, identifying Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola as the sailor lost overboard from USS Mason (DDG 87) during operations on March 20.

Cmdr. Eric Kohut, the commanding officer of HSM-74, expressed deep sorrow at the loss and praised Aregbesola for embodying the selfless character and warrior spirit expected of a US Navy Sailor.

According to the Navy, Aregbesola had exhibited outstanding performance both before and during the deployment, making his passing all the more poignant.