The U.S. Navy and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) have announced the tragic loss of two Navy SEALs, declaring them deceased after an intensive 10-day search operation. The SEALs were reported missing on January 11, 2024, during a mission off the coast of Somalia. Their mission involved the boarding of an illicit dhow that was reportedly transporting Iranian advanced conventional weapons.
The extensive search and rescue operation involved airborne and naval assets from the U.S., Japan, and Spain, covering over 21,000 square miles. Additional assistance was provided by various U.S. and international agencies, including the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, and the University of San Diego’s Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Following the conclusion of the search, recovery operations have commenced.
CENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla expressed his sorrow over the loss: “We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we will forever honor their sacrifice and example. Our prayers are with the SEALs’ families, friends, the U.S. Navy, and the entire Special Operations community during this time.”
The deceased SEALs have been identified as Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram. Both men were highly regarded in the Naval Special Warfare community and had served with West Coast-based SEAL units. Ingram enlisted in the Navy in September 2019, while Chambers had been serving since May 2012.
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