GOV/MIL U.S. Navy confirms Norfolk-based Sailor 'lost overboard' in Red Sea

[jward]

wtkr.com
U.S. Navy confirms Norfolk-based Sailor 'lost overboard' in Red Sea
Jay Greene​

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USS Mason (DDG 87)

Posted at 5:10 PM, Mar 23, 2024

and last updated 8:52 PM, Mar 23, 2024

The U.S. Navy on Saturday identified a Sailor who died after being "lost overboard" from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) which has been operating in the Red Sea.

The Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy confirmed Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, 34, of Miramar, Florida, died Wednesday in a 'non-combat related incident.'

Neither the DoD nor the Navy provided any further details about the incident.

"Aregbesola, assigned to the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, was deployed with a detachment aboard Mason, which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet since November," the U.S. Navy said.

Mason and HSM-74 are part of the Norfolk-based Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and are currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Officials said Aregbesola joined the Navy in July 2020, reporting to HSM-74 in December 2020.

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

U.S. Navy confirms Norfolk-based Sailor 'lost overboard' in Red Sea

The U.S. Navy on Saturday identified a Sailor lost overboard from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) which has been operating in the Red Sea.

www.wtkr.com

 

[JeanCat]

No further details? Wonder if he was thrown overboard?

 

[auxman]

As a Navy veteran, stories like these are not surprising...

 

[Cardinal]

OK, was he "lost", or did they recover a body?

 

[Pinecone]

Prayers for his family, waiting at home and his military family.

 

[Dobbin]

I'm sure the elite at Davos, Megeve, and Mittenwald appreciate his giving to their cause.

Gotta keep that oil & nat gas flowing to keep the ski slopes and baristas open.

The Hills Are Alive - with the sound of US money...

Dobbin

 

[Bogey]

As a Navy veteran, stories like these are not surprising...

Yep.

 

[JeanCat]

Yep.

Could you elaborate??

 

[Bubble Head]

It is not unusual to have a man overboard as the Navy calls it. Many hazards can occur while on the deck of any vessel especially in a war zone. The Navy has regular drills with a special siren alert for man overboard. Don't have any details of this casualty but I know it happens.

 

[pauldingbabe]

Time for The Navy Hymn...



God bless that Navy family.

 

[Intestinal Fortitude]

. . .sharks

 

[Bogey]

Could you elaborate??

Crime aboard Navy ships in not unheard of, nor is suicide.

 

[JeanCat]

I have heard or read that during WWII crowded troop transport ships would rather frequently lose men overboard during the night. Attributed to personal animosities during the long voyage. The boat would not stop and search due to fear of Jap submarines.

 

[tiredude]

I have heard or read that during WWII crowded troop transport ships would rather frequently lose men overboard during the night. Attributed to personal animosities during the long voyage. The boat would not stop and search due to fear of Jap submarines.

The witness I spoke to went from our east coast to North Africa……he said you couldn’t go anywhere without stepping on puke…..miserable

 

[Delta]

I wonder if he was wearing one of those very clever navy camouflage outfits that makes it real hard to find a person in the water.

 

[Rabbit]

I guess because he was in the Navy they couldn't say auto accident.