The U.S. Navy has identified a Florida sailor who went missing last week and died while deployed in the Red Sea.
The sailor was identified as Oriola Michael Aregbesola, 34, military officials said Saturday. Aregbesola was an aviation machinist’s mate 2nd class and was stationed on the USS Mason in the Red Sea.
“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 in a statement . “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.”
Aregbesola was supporting operations in the Red Sea when he went overboard on March 20, according to the U.S. Central Command . Further details about the incident were not immediately provided but officials said search and recovery operations were conducted.
Aregbesola died as a result of a non-combat-related incident, the Department of Defense said in a statement. The incident is under investigation.