FL Sailor Dies After Falling Overboard In Red Sea: U.S. Navy

MIRAMAR, FL — A member of the U.S. Navy from South Florida died after falling overboard during a non-combat incident in the Red Sea on March 20, a U.S. Department of Defense news release said.

Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, 34, of Miramar was assigned to the USS Mason, which has been deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations since November as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, officials said.

Aregbesola was assigned to the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74, the Navy said in a news release.

He joined the Navy in July 2020 and reported to the squadron in December of that year.

“Petty Officer Aregbesola fully embodied the selfless character and thoughtful warrior spirit of the United States Navy Sailor,” Cmdr. Eric Kohut, HSM-74 commanding officer, said. “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.”

His death is under investigation, the Department of Defense said.