The U.S. Navy has identified two missing SEALs off Somalia and presumed them dead.
On January 11, Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, 37, and 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27, were reported missing after a dangerous nighttime mission.
After authorities called off the search and rescue mission, details about the SEALs’ final moments are emerging.
Both SEAL Team 3 members were trying to board an unflagged boat carrying Iranian missile parts to Yemen, according to reports.
While climbing the ladder onto the boat, Ingram slipped and fell into the rough waters. Chambers immediately jumped in to save him, but their heavy body armor, equipment, weapons, and rough seas were disastrous.
Neither Chambers nor Ingram survived the sea.
After searching 21,000 square miles of ocean, the military found no Navy SEALs. The search ended after 10 days, and the men were pronounced dead.
Press release: “We are now conducting recovery operations,” U.S. Central Command.
Capt. Blake Chaney, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, which oversees SEAL Team 3, said “Chris and Gage selflessly served their country with unwavering professionalism and exceptional capabilities.” “This loss is devastating for NSW, our families, the special operations community, and the nation.”
President and first lady Jill Biden also offered their condolences to the Navy SEAL families.
“Jill and I mourn the tragic deaths of two of America’s finest—Navy SEALs who were lost at sea while executing a mission off East Africa last week.”