Navy Identifies SEALs who went missing in the Red Sea

The U.S. Navy on Monday identified the two special operations officers who were lost in the Red Sea during a mission to seize Iranian missile parts headed to Yemen.

Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, 37, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27, were both reported missing at sea during a nighttime mission on Jan. 11. Search efforts concluded on Jan. 21 without locating either SEAL, and both are presumed dead.

“We extend our condolences to Chris and Gage’s family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly challenging time. They were exceptional warriors and 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.

According to the Navy, Chambers enlisted in 2012 and went on to graduate from SEAL qualification training in 2014. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon, among others.

Ingram enlisted in 2019 and went on to graduate from SEAL qualification training in 2021, and was awarded multiple personal and unit awards during his career.

“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.”

President Joe Biden reacted to the deaths of Chambers and Ingram in a statement on Monday saying that he and first lady Jill Biden “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 … These SEALs represented the very best of our country, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans.”