(NewsNation) — The Pentagon released the names of two Navy SEALs who went missing during a mission off the coast of Somalia earlier this month and are presumed dead.
Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan G. Ingram and Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers were part of a Jan. 11 raid on a boat in the Arabian Sea suspected of carrying Iranian-made weapons parts headed for Yemen. Ingram had fallen into the water while trying to board the combatants’ vessel, and Chambers jumped in after him, the Associated Press reported.
On Sunday, the Defense Department ended the search-and-rescue mission for the two and declared them dead.
“We extend our condolences to Chris and Gage’s families, friends, and teammates during this incredibly challenging time,” Capt. Blake L. Chaney, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, said in a news release Monday. “They were exceptional warriors, cherished teammates, and dear friends to many within the Naval Special Warfare community.”
Chambers enlisted in the Navy in May 2012 and had served with SEAL units since 2014, Naval Special Warfare Command said. Ingram enlisted in 2019 and had served as a SEAL since 2021.
They were part of a SEAL team that was conducting a nighttime raid on a boat to seize Iranian-made missiles headed for Houthi fighters in Yemen. Seized items include parts for ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles as well as “air defense associate components.”
Military officials believe, based on preliminary analysis, the same weapons have been used by the Houthis in recent attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea.
“Chris and Gage selflessly served their country with unwavering professionalism and exceptional capabilities,” Chaney said. “This loss is devastating for NSW, our families, the special operations community, and across the nation.”
The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet is conducting an investigation into the incident. That probe is expected to examine whether the SEALs were properly equipped and trained for the mission, whether procedures were followed and any decisions regarding the timing and approval of the raid, including the weather and the state of the seas.
According to officials, the commandos launched from the USS Lewis B. Puller, a mobile sea base, and they were backed up by drones and helicopters. They loaded onto small special operations combat craft driven by naval special warfare crew to get to the boat. It was the type of boarding for which SEALs train routinely, and illegal weapons moving from Iran to Yemen-based Houthis have been a persistent concern, particularly as the rebels continue to target commercial vessels in the region.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.