The U.S. Navy on Monday identified two SEALs believed to have died after going missing off the coast of Somalia earlier this month while on a mission to seize Iranian missile parts destined for Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The crew members are Naval Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers (37) and Naval Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram (27).
Both sailors enlisted in a special warfare unit based on the West Coast in Coronado, California, the Navy said.
Search and rescue efforts to find a missing SEAL member ended Sunday after a 10-day search.
Capt. Blake Cheney, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, said the Navy extends its condolences to the families of both sailors “during this incredibly difficult time.”
“They were extraordinary warriors, valued teammates, and dear friends to many within the Naval Special Warfare community,” Cheney said in a statement.
Chambers, a Maryland native, joined the Navy in 2012 and became a SEAL in 2015, according to the military department.
Ingram, a Texas native, joined the Navy in 2019 and became a SEAL in 2021.
The sailors were part of a team that intercepted a shipment of Iranian missiles and weapons parts destined for the Houthis, who have been attacking civilian ships since late November.
According to the Navy, one sailor fell into rough seas while aboard a special combat operations ship on the night of January 11, and another jumped on board.
President Biden mourned the deaths of Chambers and Ingraham on Monday.
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