The Navy on Monday identified two SEALs who were pronounced dead days after going missing during an Iranian weapons seizure this month off the coast of Africa.
Both men were identified as Naval Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers and Naval Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram.
U.S. Central Command said search and rescue efforts for the two men were called off on Sunday and the mission became a recovery operation.
Two US Navy Sailors Missing Off the Coast of Somalia: Central Command
“We extend our condolences to Chris and Gage's family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time. They were extraordinary warriors, valued teammates, and many within the Naval Special Warfare community. He was a dear friend to everyone,” said Col. Blake L. Cheney. Commander of the Navy's 1st Special Warfare Group.
Ingram joined the Navy on September 25, 2019, and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, in November 2019. He had been serving in a West Coast-based SEAL unit since graduating from SEAL qualification training in Coronado. 2021, California. His awards and decorations include various individual and unit citations.
Mr. Chambers joined the Navy on May 17, 2012 and graduated from boot camp in July 2012. After he graduated from SEAL qualification training in 2014, he served in a SEAL unit based on the West Coast.
Exclusive: Qatari spying allegations allegedly targeted Republican lawmakers opposed to Muslim Brotherhood
Naval Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers and Naval Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram went missing during a night boarding mission off the coast of Somalia earlier this month. (US Navy)
His awards and decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, three Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, one Army Achievement Medal, combat action ribbons, and other individual and unit awards.
“Chris and Gage selflessly served their country with unwavering professionalism and outstanding ability,” Cheney said. “This loss is devastating to New South Wales, our families, the special operations community and the nation.”
Both men were on a night mission on January 11, tracking a shipment. Iranian weapons against Yemen's Houthi rebels. They were attempting to board a falsely flagged ship that may be smuggling weapons.
This undated photo released by U.S. Central Command shows what is believed to be a ship carrying Iranian missile parts to Yemen's Houthis in the Arabian Sea. In a raid that left two U.S. Navy SEALs missing, U.S. Navy SEALs seized Iranian missile parts and other weapons from a ship bound for Yemen's Houthi rebels, the U.S. military said in 2024. The announcement was made on Tuesday, January 16th. (U.S. Central Command)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The two pilots were attempting to climb a ladder to board the ship during an offshore mission. Gulf of Aden When people fall into the sea due to high waves. As part of Navy SEAL procedures, one of the SEALs came to the rescue after the first member and helped his partner in distress, but both men were lost.
The Navy said the incident is still under investigation.
