Tragedy as 34-yr-old who renounced Nigeria to join U.S navy dies in red sea

A Nigerian-born United States Naval Officer, Michael Aregbesola, has reportedly died in the Red Sea after falling overboard while in operation.

The U.S. Navy identified a sailor who went overboard while deployed in the Red Sea as Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, a Nigerian.

The US Navy confirmed his death on Saturday, March 23, via a statement.

According to the US Navy, Aregbosola 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 US 5th Fleet since November.

The Navy also commended his outstanding performance before and during deployment.

“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.

In the statement provided on the Naval website, the Pentagon wrote: “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,” the statement added.

Who is Michael Aregbesola?

Aregebsola was a Nigerian who became a sensation in 2020 after renouncing Nigeria to join the U.S. Navy.

He claimed that the force saw potential in him and made him a sailor.

He confirmed the development in a post shared on his X account (formerly Twitter).

The young man tweeted: "I was jobless for so many years, my country of birth (Nigeria, now renounced) failed me, but the U.S. NAVY saw potentials in me and made me a fine ass sailor, working on Jet engines."

See his post below:

I was jobless for so many years, my country of birth (Nigeria, now renounced) failed me, but the U.S. NAVY saw potentials in me and made me a fine ass sailor, working on Jet engines. pic.twitter.com/ya5gvg1K4V

— Orie Areg  (@OrissAreg_) October 10, 2020