US identifies Navy SEALs presumed dead as condolences pour in

The United States identified the two Navy SEALs who are presumed dead following a 10-day search after they went missing during a mission to seize Iranian-made weapons from a boat in dangerous waters off the coast of Somalia.

The Navy on Monday said that the SEALs who went missing are Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, 37, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27.

With the assistance of several oceanographic research organizations, the U.S., Japan and Spain searched more than 21,000 square miles in an attempt to locate the men in after they went missing in the Arabian Sea on Jan. 11, but the search and rescue mission turned into a recovery operation on Sunday when the men were presumed dead.

The SEALs went missing during a mission targeting a ship off the Somali coast that had a transport of illegal Iranian-made weapons bound for Houthi terrorists in Yemen. Service members were able to seize parts of medium-range ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles and air defense components, according to U.S. Central Command.

During the mission, Ingram slipped as he was climbing a ladder onto the boat, and Chambers jumped in to try and rescue him, U.S. officials said, according to The Associated Press. The men were weighed down by body armor and heavy equipment.

The mission came as Houthi attacks against merchant ships in the Red Sea have increased since Oct. 7, 2023, when the terrorist group declared support for Hamas in its fight against Israel.

Prominent politicians have expressed their condolences for the family members of the fallen service members.

Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., said he and his wife are "grieving over the heartbreaking loss."

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said she and her husband are "devastated to learn of the tragic deaths of the two brave U.S. Navy SEALs in a night mission off the coast of Somalia. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones. Rest in peace, heroes."

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