Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher Chambers, 37, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27, were identified on Monday, according to the US Navy.

Captain Blake Chaney, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, expressed his condolences, stating that Chambers and Ingram were "exceptional warriors, cherished teammates, and dear friends to many." He emphasized their selfless service to the country and their professionalism, adding that their loss is devastating to the Naval Special Warfare community, their families, and the nation.

Both SEALs were assigned to a Naval Special Warfare unit on the West Coast of the US. They were reported missing at sea while carrying out a night-time seizure operation, aiming to intercept illegal transportation of lethal aid from Iran to Yemen. The operation resulted in the seizure of ballistic and cruise missile components, as announced by US Central Command.

According to information provided by Naval Special Warfare Command, Chambers, hailing from Maryland, enlisted in May 2012 and had been serving with SEAL units on the West Coast since 2014. He had been recognized with accolades such as the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Ingram, from Texas, enlisted in September 2019 and immediately underwent pre-special warfare training after completing boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. He successfully completed SEAL qualification training in 2021 and had been awarded the Navy "E" Ribbon and commendations for his service in the Global War on Terrorism.

After an exhaustive 10-day search, US Central Command officially changed the status of the two SEALs from missing to deceased. The search efforts involved airborne and naval platforms from the US, Japan, and Spain, covering over 21,000 square miles. Multiple organizations, including the US Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, University of San Diego - Scripts Institute of Oceanography, and the Office of Naval Research - Oceanographic Support, provided search assistance.

Further information regarding the operation and the circumstances surrounding the Navy SEALs' deaths has not been released out of respect for the families affected.