Nigerian-Born US Naval Officer Dies in Red Sea Operation
A tragic incident occurred in the Red Sea as Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, a Nigerian-born United States Naval Officer, lost his life after falling overboard during a mission.
The US Navy confirmed the demise of Aregbesola, who was assigned to the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74. He was deployed with a detachment aboard Mason, operating in the US 5th Fleet since November.
In a statement released on the Naval website, the Pentagon identified Petty Officer Aregbesola as a dedicated and selfless member of the Navy. Cmdr. Eric Kohut, HSM-74 commanding officer, praised Aregbesola's exemplary performance and described him as embodying the noble qualities of a US Navy Sailor.
The Navy lauded Aregbesola's outstanding contributions, stating that his impact extended beyond aircraft maintenance, as he valued every member of the ship/air team. The statement expressed condolences to his family and affirmed that his memory would endure in the hearts of his colleagues.
Aregbesola, hailing from Florida, joined the Navy in July 2020 and reported to HSM-74 in December 2020. His journey from unemployment to becoming a respected member of the US Navy had been documented on social media, where he shared his gratitude for the opportunity afforded to him by the Navy.
The untimely demise of Aregbesola serves as a poignant reminder of the risks undertaken by servicemen and women in the line of duty and highlights the dedication and sacrifice inherent in military service.
