ICYMI: US navy confirms death of Nigerian sailor missing during Red Sea mission

The United States Navy has identified the sailor who went overboard during a mission in the Red Sea last week as Oriola Aregbesola.

A statement issued by the US department of defense on Saturday said Aregbesola died on March 20 as a result of a non-combat-related incident.

The department of defense said the incident is under investigation.

Aregbesola was part of the aviation machinist’s mate 2nd class supporting operations in the Red Sea until his demise.

US President Joe Biden deployed the navy to the Red Sea after Houthi rebels started attacking commercial ships in solidarity with Hamas, the Palestine militant group, at war with Israel.

Aregbesola was from Miramar, Florida, and was assigned to the USS Mason deployed to the US 5th fleet area of operations, as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group.

He was assigned to the “Swamp foxes” of helicopter maritime strike squadron 74 and went overboard from the USS Mason.

“Petty Officer Aregbesola fully embodied the selfless character and thoughtful warrior spirit of the United States Navy Sailor,” 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.”

The 34-year-old joined the Navy in July 2020 and reported to HSM-74 in December 2020, according to the navy.

“He will continue on in the heart of every Swamp Fox and our brothers and sisters in the IKE Carrier Strike Group,” Kohut said.

“Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

In October 2020, immediately after he was recruited, Aregbesola wrote about how excited he was on X after years of being without a job in Nigeria.

“I was jobless for so many years, my country of birth (Nigeria, now renounced) failed me, but the US Navy saw potential in me and made me a fine ass sailor, working on jet engines,” he tweeted.