Two Navy SEALs lost in the Arabian Sea during a mission to board a ship and confiscate Iranian-made weapons were identified Monday. The Naval Special Warfare Command said Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, 37, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27, were considered dead.
The men were reported missing at sea while they were conducting a night-time seizure of a vessel illegally transporting advanced lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen on Jan. 11, according to the U.S. Navy.
We extend our condolences to Chris and Gage’s families, friends, and teammates during this incredibly challenging time, Capt. Blake L. Chaney, commander, Naval Special Warfare Group 1, said in a news release. They were exceptional warriors, cherished teammates, and dear friends to many within the Naval Special Warfare community.
According to the Associated Press, officials told the media outlet Ingram was climbing the ladder onto the boat when he slipped and fell into a gap the waves had created between the vessel and the SEALs’ combatant craft. As he went under, Chambers jumped into the gap to try to save him, according to U.S. officials familiar with the incident.
Weighed down by their body armor, weapons, and heavy equipment, the two SEALs plunged into the depths of the Arabian Sea and died, said the officials who spoke to the AP on a condition of anonymity to provide details of the Jan. 11 raid.
The raid was the latest seizure by the U.S. Navy and its allies of weapon shipments bound for the rebels, who have launched a series of attacks now threatening global trade in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The seized missile components included types likely used in those attacks.
The Naval Special Warfare Command said Chambers, who was from Maryland, enlisted in 2012 and went on to serve with West Coast-based SEAL units. His awards and decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat ‘C,’ three Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and other personal and unit awards.
Ingram, of Texas, enlisted in 2019 and served with West Coast-based SEAL units. He earned various personal and unit awards, according to Naval Special Warfare Command.
Chris and Gage selflessly served their country with unwavering professionalism and exceptional capabilities, said Chaney. This loss is devastating for NSW, our families, the special operations community, and across the nation.
President Joe Biden shared similar sentiments. He described their deaths as a profound loss for the nation.
These SEALs represented the very best of our country, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans, Biden noted in a statement. Our hearts go out to the family members, loved ones, friends, and shipmates who are grieving for these two brave Americans. Our entire country stands with you. We will never fail to honor their service, their legacy, and their sacrifice.
The Naval Special Warfare Command said their deaths remain under investigation. The probe is expected to examine whether the SEALs were properly equipped and trained for the mission, whether procedures were followed, and any decisions regarding the timing and approval of the raid, including the weather and the state of the seas.
The U.S. Navy ultimately sunk the ship carrying the weapons after deeming it unsafe, Central Command said. The ship’s 14 crew were detained.
