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.

Ingram began his naval career on September 25, 2019, and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill., in November 2019. Like Chambers, Ingram joined the SEAL teams on the West Coast after completing qualification training in Coronado, Calif., in 2021. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among other personal and unit awards.

Unforgettable Young Men

A speaker during the tribute mentioned that:

“Gage was unforgettable to those who met him. He had a unique ability to make each person he met feel important.”

After the speeches, Chambers and Ingram’s teammates lined up to pound their Tridents into a wooden plaque bearing the names of the fallen SEALs, continuing a revered tradition that expresses deep respect for their lost comrades.

The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Chambers and Ingram are still being investigated. The focus of Naval Special Warfare remains on respecting the privacy of their families while steadfastly supporting them, their friends, and the personnel affected by this tragedy.

“Chris and Gage personified a type of love known among the most legendary warriors,” another eulogist stated. “Their influence has greatly enriched our lives, offering endless inspiration, motivation, and personal growth to our community. Their memory endures in our hearts and minds, an eternal tribute to their lasting legacy.”

May they rest in Peace.