BALTIMORE — One of two U.S. Navy SEALs who went missing during a January 11 mission off the coast of East Africa is from Maryland.
Navy Special Warfare Operators Christopher J. Chambers and Nathan Gage Ingram were part of a team attempting to board a ship in search of illegal Iranian-made weapons headed for Yemen and the Houthis.
Officials say one SEAL fell into rough waters prompting the other to dive in to perform a rescue.
Neither ever resurfaced.
An all out search has led to negative results thus far.
On Monday U.S. Central Command said Chambers and Ingram were presumed dead with recovery operations continuing.
The University of Maryland said Chambers was a 2009 graduate, and former member of the Terrapin swim team.
While at College Park Chambers also spent time as Testudo, the university mascot.
He enlisted in the Navy in 2012 and completed SEAL training in 2014.
President Joe Biden issued a statement praising Chambers and Ingram's service to the country.
"Jill and I are mourning the tragic deaths of two of America's finest—Navy SEALs who were lost at sea while executing a mission off the coast of East Africa last week."
Maryland Governor Wes Moore along with Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen also offered their condolences.
“Maryland and the nation have lost a hero. Special Operator First Class Christopher J. Chambers wasn't just a distinguished Navy SEAL, he was a true patriot in every beautiful sense of the word. He put his life on the line for our safety and security, and we will never forget his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
My heart breaks for the friends and family of Special Operator Chambers, as well as all who served alongside him. We must keep them in our thoughts and our prayers.
Having served in combat, I understand that when tragedy strikes in the field of battle, the families of those we've lost deserve closure and clarity on what transpired. I have every confidence that the loved ones of Special Operator Chambers and the public will receive the answers they deserve following a full and thorough investigation into this incident."
-Governor Wes Moore
Myrna and I are grieving over the heartbreaking loss of Special Operator 1st Class Christopher Chambers from Maryland and Special Operator Second Class Nathan Ingram from Texas. These two Navy SEALs were lost while boarding an illicit ship that was smuggling Iranian weapons. pic.twitter.com/0qJNWAuKwQ
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) January 22, 2024
Saddened by the loss of Special Operator 1st Class Christopher Chambers from MD and Special Operator 2nd Class Nathan Ingram from TX—2 heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty on a military mission off the coast of Somalia.
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) January 23, 2024
Their service & sacrifice will not be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/B3d6oCjslD
