On Monday, the United States Military disclosed the identities of two Navy SEALs who went missing in rough seas nearly two weeks ago during a nighttime operation off the coast of Somalia. After an exhaustive search, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram are now presumed dead, though investigations and recovery efforts remain underway.
The two SEALs were first reported missing on January 11th, when their team engaged in a nighttime interdiction against a “dhow,” or small fishing/cargo vessel, in the Gulf of Aden between the horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The vessel was suspected of transporting illegal weapons for hostile groups.
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During the boarding process, one SEAL was struck by a large wave and knocked overboard. In accordance with Navy protocol, the other jumped in after him to attempt a rescue. Both were quickly lost in the darkness and the choppy seas, making an immediate recovery almost impossible.
CENTCOM reported that air and naval resources from Japan and Spain had worked alongside the US Navy to search “more than 21,000 square miles” off the Somali coast—but tragically, the missing SEALs could not be located.
“We regret to announce that after a 10-day exhaustive search, our two missing US Navy SEALs have not been located and their status has been changed to deceased,” the command said on Sunday.
CENTCOM did not confirm the identities of the missing men at that time out of respect for their families. However, it also confirmed that the dhow had been carrying Iranian-made parts for ballistic and anti-ship cruise missiles, as well as explosive warheads similar to those used by the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Related: Houthi Rebels Launch Missile Strike on US-Owned Container Ship in Gulf of Aden
On Monday, after notifying the families of Christopher J. Chambers, 37, and Nathan Gage Ingram, 27, the identities of the missing SEALs were made public.
“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,” said Capt. Blake L. Chaney, commander, Naval Special Warfare Group 1. “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 across the nation.”
President Joe Biden echoed this sentiment in a statement from the White House.
“These SEALs represented the very best of our country, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans,” he said. “Our hearts go out to the family members, loved ones, friends, and shipmates who are grieving for these two brave Americans. Our entire country stands with you. We will never fail to honor their service, their legacy, and their sacrifice.”
Recovery efforts to locate the remains of the two SEALs are still ongoing, as is an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
Connor Walcott is a staff writer covering politics, culture, and business for Valuetainment.com.
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