Navy sailor lost overboard

On March 20, 2024, tragedy struck the U.S. Navy when Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola went overboard from the USS Mason while deployed in the Red Sea. 

Aregbesola, a 34-year-old from Florida and assigned to the "Swamp Foxes" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, was reported lost overboard. 

The U.S. Navy quickly launched a search and rescue operation, but Aregbesola was not recovered.

The Navy classified the incident as non-combat related and has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Aregbesola's disappearance. 

His death is a sad loss for the Navy community, and his fellow service members remembered him for his dedication and selfless character.

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM)

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) is a type of helicopter squadron in the United States Navy. These squadrons are tasked with a variety of anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions, along with search and rescue and supporting other naval operations. There are currently 20 active HSM squadrons .

Each squadron is equipped with MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, the Navy's most advanced maritime helicopter platform. 

These helicopters are multi-mission capable and can be armed with a variety of weapons, including torpedoes, hellfire missiles, and precision-guided rockets. 

They are also equipped with sensors that allow them to detect and track submarines and surface targets at long range.

HSM squadrons are typically deployed on aircraft carriers and are an integral part of a carrier air wing. They provide the carrier strike group with a critical capability for anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and other missions.

How many sailors are lost at sea?

Estimates suggest around 2,000 sailors die at sea globally each year [Lost At Sea Statistics: Market Report & Data]. This is a very sad but persistent risk that sailors face. Unfortunately, not all causes of these deaths are recorded and some sailors may go missing at sea.

The USS Mason

The USS Mason (DDG-87) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. She is currently the third ship to bear the name USS Mason (DDG-87) on Wikipedia: wikipedia.org.

Launched: 23 June 2001

Builder: Bath Iron Works

Length: 155 meters (509 ft)

Homeport: Naval Station Mayport, Florida

The first USS Mason (DD-191) was a destroyer in commission from 1920 to 1922 and from 1939 to 1940.

The second USS Mason (DE-529) was a destroyer escort in commission from 1944 to 1945. Notably, she was the first ever US Navy ship to have a predominantly Black enlisted crew History - Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic: surflant.usff.navy.mil.

The current USS Mason (DDG-87) is named in honor of the Black crewmembers who served on board USS Mason (DE-529) during that time of racial segregation in the United States Armed Forces. 

WSS Mason (DDG87) destroyer

The USS Mason (DDG-87) is a powerful warship equipped with a variety of weaponry and defense systems, including missiles, guns, and torpedoes. 

She is also equipped with advanced radar and sonar systems that allow her to track targets and defend against threats.

The USS Mason (DDG-87) is a multi-mission destroyer that can be used for a variety of tasks, including:

Anti-air warfare

Anti-submarine warfare

Surface warfare

Escort operations

Missile defense

The USS Mason (DDG-87) is an important part of the United States Navy fleet and plays a vital role in protecting our country's interests at sea.