Navy identifies SEALs presumed dead in Gulf of Aden mission

The U.S. Navy on Monday identified the two SEALs who are presumed dead after after they went missing off the coast of Somalia earlier this month during a mission to seize Iranian missile components headed to Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The sailors were Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, 37, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27.

Both sailors were enlisted with the West Coast Based Special Warfare Unit in Coronado, Calif., the Navy said.

The search-and-rescue operation to find the missing SEALs concluded Sunday after a 10-day search.

Capt. Blake Chaney, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, said the Navy extends its condolences to the families of both sailors “during this incredibly challenging time.”

“They were exceptional warriors, cherished teammates, and dear friends to many within the Naval Special Warfare community,” Chaney said in a statement.

Chambers, from Maryland, enlisted in the Navy in 2012 and earned his SEAL qualification in 2015, according to the military branch.

Ingram, of Texas, enlisted in the Navy in 2019 and earned his SEAL qualification in 2021.

The sailors were part of a team that intercepted a shipment of Iranian missile and weapons components bound for the Houthis, who have attacked commercial shipping since late November.

The Navy said one of the sailors fell into rough waters the night of Jan. 11 while boarding a special combat operations boat, and another jumped in after him.

President Biden on Monday mourned the death of both Chambers and Ingram.