A Navy sailor who went overboard whereas on a destroyer within the Crimson Sea final week was declared misplaced on Saturday, the service mentioned in an announcement.
Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, who was aboard the USS Mason, went overboard on March 20, in line with the Navy.
Aregbesola was assigned to the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74, which was launched into the Mason. The ship has been working within the Crimson Sea alongside the Dwight D. Eisenhower provider strike group.
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In keeping with the Navy’s assertion, Aregbesola was a Florida native who joined the service in July 2020. He reported to his squadron in December 2020.
An Instagram put up from the squadron exhibits that he was promoted to petty officer second class final June.
“Petty Officer Aregbesola totally embodied the selfless character and considerate warrior spirit of the USA Navy sailor,” Cmdr. Eric Kohut, the squadron’s commander, mentioned within the Navy assertion.
“He’ll proceed on within the coronary heart of each Swamp Fox and our brothers and sisters within the Ike provider strike group,” Kohut added.
A protection official advised Navy.com on Monday that the seek for Aregbesola included not simply the Mason however different parts from the provider strike group, together with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The official wasn’t capable of supply any perception as to how Aregbesola went overboard and mentioned that an investigation is ongoing.
In its personal assertion, the Pentagon known as the dying “a results of a non-combat associated incident.”
With out witnesses, it could be tough for the Navy to definitively decide what led to Aregbesola falling into the water.
The explanations behind most sailor overboard incidents, which sadly happen with some regularity, stay unknown.
Aregbesola will not be the primary sailor to go overboard up to now a number of months, both.
In January, two Navy SEALs went overboard and have been later declared misplaced whereas making an attempt to board a ship that was found to be carrying Iranian missile elements.
The Mason is a component of a big Navy presence off the coast of Yemen. They’ve been defending service provider transport within the space from Houthi missiles and drones that the rebels say they’ve been launching in solidarity with Hamas and its battle with Israel.
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