Navy identifies two SEALs declared dead
The U.S. Navy has identified the two SEALs lost in the Arabian Sea during a nighttime mission to board and seize an unflagged boat carrying illegal Iranianmade weapons to Yemen.
The U.S. Central Command announced the end of its 10-day “exhaustive” search and rescue operation for the missing SEALs. The operation involved ships and aircraft from the United States, Japan, and Spain, with assistance from the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, and the University of California, San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, continuously searching more than 21,000 square miles.
The search, the Central Command said Sunday, was changed to a recovery operation and the two sailors were presumed deceased. The two SEALs were on an interdiction mission on Jan. 11 when one of them fell off a ship after high waves hit the vessel, prompting the other SEAL to go after him to attempt a rescue, according to officials.
The missing SEALs were identified Monday as Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, 37, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27, who both served with a U.S. West Coastbased SEAL team.
“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, Naval Special Warfare Group 1, said in a statement.
“Chris and Gage selflessly served their country with unwavering professionalism and exceptional capabilities,” Chaney added. “This loss is devastating for NSW, our families, the special operations community, and across the nation.”
Chambers, of Maryland, enlisted in the Navy in 2012 and graduated from SEAL training in 2014, the Navy said. Some of his awards and decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “C,” three Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Army Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
Ingram, of Texas, enlisted in 2019 and graduated from SEAL training in 2021, according to the Navy. His awards and decorations include various personal and unit awards.
“Jill and I are mourning the tragic deaths of two of America’s finest – Navy SEALs who were lost at sea while executing a mission off the coast of East Africa last week,” President Joe Biden said in a statement Monday. “These SEALs represented the very best of our country, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans. Our hearts go out to the family members, loved ones, friends, and shipmates who are grieving for these two brave Americans.”
The Navy’s 5th Fleet is investigating the incident. It is expected to examine whether the SEALs were properly equipped and trained for the mission; whether procedures were followed; and details on the raid, including the weather and the state of the seas.