Lost in the Arabian Sea

On April 18, Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers and Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram were memorialized by the Naval Special Warfare community at the Silver Strand Training Complex in California.

Both Chambers and Ingram were lost at sea during a night operation aimed at intercepting a ship covertly moving sophisticated weapons from Iran to Houthi insurgents in Yemen, an incident that occurred in early January 2024.

Capt. Blake L. Chaney, the leader of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, stated: 

“Chris and Gage embody the foundational principles of Naval Special Warfare: integrity, courage, and selflessness. It is our grave responsibility to commemorate their steadfast commitment, service, and duty.”

The service was marked by poignant memories shared by those closest to Chambers and Ingram, emphasizing their lives’ impact and legacy.

“Chris will always be seen as a genuine hero, not just for his deeds, but for his zest for life,” one eulogizer remarked. “He earned the admiration of both his leaders and his peers.”

Chambers joined the Navy on May 17, 2012, completing boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill., in July 2012. He was a member of West Coast-based SEAL teams after finishing SEAL qualification training in Coronado, Calif., in 2014. His honors include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “C,” three Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and additional individual and group accolades.