Navy SEALs presumed dead off Somalia received training in Coronado
CORONADO, Calif. — The two U.S. Navy SEALs presumed dead after an 11-day search and rescue mission off the coast of Somalia graduated from Naval Base Coronado, Department of Defense officials said in a release Monday.
Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, 37, were reported missing at sea on Jan. 11 during a covert mission to seize Iranian missile parts headed to Yemen.
“Chris and Gage selflessly served their country with unwavering professionalism and exceptional capabilities,” said Capt. Blake L. Chaney, commander, Naval Special Warfare Group 1. “This loss is devastating for NSW, our families, the special operations community, and across the nation.”
Ingram and Chambers were a part of the U.S. Navy’s SEAL Team 3, a West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit. The unit was conducting a night-time seizure of a vessel illegally transporting weapons to Yemen when the two went missing.
Death on the Arabian Sea: How a Navy SEAL fell into rough waters and another died trying to save him
While an investigation into the incident remains ongoing, the Associated Press reported that Ingram was climbing onto the ladder of the combatant craft when he slipped, falling into a gap between it and the Naval vessel. As he went under, Chambers jumped into the gap to try to save him.
Weighed down by their body armor, weapons and heavy equipment, however, the two SEALs were unable swim to the Arabian Sea’s surface and are now presumed dead. The search and rescue mission was called off on Sunday.
“We extend our condolences to Chris and Gage’s family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly challenging time,” said Chaney. “They were exceptional warriors and cherished teammates and dear friends to many within the Naval Special Warfare community.”
According to DoD officials, Chambers enlisted in the Navy in May 2012. He graduated from boot camp several months later in July, before moving to Naval Base Coronado to gain his SEAL qualification training. He graduated from SEAL training in 2014.
Through his service, Chambers was decorated with the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “C,” three Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and other personal and unit awards.
Ingram enlisted in the Navy in September 2019. He similarly moved to Naval Base Coronado after graduating from basic training in November 2019, according to the DoD. He graduated from SEAL training in 2021. His decorations include various personal and unit awards.
In a statement Monday, President Joe Biden said that the presumed deaths of the two SEALs were a “profound loss for our country.”
“These SEALs represented the very best of our country, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans,” Biden 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,” he added. “We will never fail to honor their service, their legacy, and their sacrifice.”
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