The Navy has identified two SEALs who were lost at sea during a raid and subsequently declared deceased.
On Monday, the Navy identified two SEALs who were pronounced dead after going missing at sea during a nighttime raid.
Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, aged 37, and Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, aged 27, were at sea on the night of January 11, carrying out a mission to seize “a vessel illegally transporting advanced lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen,” as stated by the Navy.
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During the mission off the coast of Somalia, which led to the seizure of Iranian-made missile parts destined for militants in Yemen, the two sailors went missing overboard.
While attempting to climb the ladder onto the boat, Ingram slipped and fell into a gap created by the waves between the vessel and the SEALs’ combatant craft. In an attempt to save him, Chambers jumped into the gap after him. Unfortunately, both men disappeared into the darkness underneath. Despite rescue efforts spanning 10 days, U.S. Central Command declared them dead on Sunday and the Navy officially identified Chambers and Ingram as the two SEALs on Monday (Jan. 22).
“We extend our condolences to Chris and Gage’s families, friends, and teammates during this incredibly challenging time. They were exceptional warriors, cherished teammates, and dear friends to many within the Naval Special Warfare community,” Capt. Blake L. Chaney, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 said in a statement.
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Both men completed boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, just outside Chicago, before they graduated from SEAL qualification training in Coronado, California.
They were assigned to a Naval Special Warfare (NSW) unit on the West Coast.
“Chris and Gage selflessly served their country with unwavering professionalism and exceptional capabilities,” Chaney continued. “This loss is devastating for NSW, our families, the special operations community, and across the nation.”
Navy SEALs Special Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers and Special Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram were American heroes who served our country with courage and honor.
I send my condolences & prayers to their families dealing with this sorrowful loss. https://t.co/M10Ym8HoAC
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) January 23, 2024
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The incident is currently under investigation. Naval Special Warfare emphasizes that its top priority is to respect the privacy of the families while offering steadfast support to them, their loved ones, and the personnel affected by this tragic loss.