WASHINGTON – The Pentagon on Monday identified two Navy SEALs who were lost at sea during a recent mission to seize Iranian weapons en route to Houthi rebels in Yemen, with President Biden calling their deaths “a great loss for our country.”
Navy Special Warfare Operators Christopher J. Chambers, 37, and Nathan Gage Ingram, 27, disappeared on Jan. 11 while trying to board a ship carrying weapons bound for Houthi-held territory, according to US Central Command.
As the special operations team was climbing over the side of the ship, one of the SEALs slipped into the Gulf of Aden. A second SEAL jumped in after their friend, per military protocol, but disappeared as well.
“Jill and I are mourning the tragic deaths of two of America’s finest — the Navy SEALs who were lost at sea on a mission off the coast of East Africa last week,” the 81-year-old president said. “… These SEALs represent the best of our nation, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans.”
Interception missions – Pentagon jargon for intercepting weapons – take place at night, which some former special operators say presents additional risks to those involved.
USCENTCOM/SWNS
Despite the loss of two SEALs, the mission was ultimately successful.
The US seized parts of Iran’s ballistic missiles and other weapons, showing “a clear example of how Iran is actively sowing instability throughout the region,” officials said on January 16.
Military officials said the raid prevented at least several attacks by Houthi forces on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
US Navy SEALs seized items including propulsion and guidance parts and warheads for Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles, as well as air defense components. USCENTCOM/SWNS Two US Navy SEALs have been declared dead after they went missing while trying to board a ship carrying Iranian weapons bound for the Houthis. X/US Central Command
The US, Japan and Spain searched “more than 21,000 square miles” for the SEALs for about a week and a half before CENTCOM officially changed their status from “missing” to “deceased” on Sunday.
Still, Biden said the military continues to search for their remains “as we grieve a profound loss for our country.”
Chambers has served nearly 12 years, while Ingram has served in the Navy since 2019, according to their service records. In a statement Monday, the commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 (NSW) Capt. Blake L. Chaney called them “extraordinary warriors, valued teammates and dear friends to many.”
“Chris and Gage selflessly served their country with unwavering professionalism and exceptional ability,” Chaney said. “This loss is devastating to NSW, our families, the special operations community and the entire country.”
The incident marks the first time a US service member has been killed in one of the conflicts that have erupted across the Middle East since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel.
“Our hearts go out to the families, loved ones, friends and shipmates grieving these two brave Americans,” Biden said. “Our whole country stands with you. We will never fail to honor their service, their legacy, and their sacrifice.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
