CHRISTOPHER J. CHAMBERS was born 13-JAN 1987 in Bowie Maryland. His mother was Lois E H Chambers. Chambers enlisted in 2012 and graduated from SEAL qualification training in Coronado, California in 2014.
Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Chambers was part of a mission to board an “illicit dhow carrying Iranian advanced conventional weapons” on 11-JAN 2024 when they went missing off Somalia, according to U.S. Central Command, along with Special Operator 2nd Class Nathan Ingram. The two SEALs had launched from the USS Lewis B. Puller in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Somalia.
Those aboard the dhow, (Editor’s note: “dhow” is the generic name of a number of traditional sailing vessels with one or more masts with settee or sometimes lateen sails, used in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean region) which did not fly a country flag, were planning to transfer the missile parts, including warheads and engines, to another boat off the coast of Somalia, as reported by the Associated Press, citing a U.S. defense official. The Navy recognized the boat as one with a history of transporting illegal weapons from Iran to Somalia, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details not made public.
The SEALs traveled in small special operations combat craft driven by a Naval Special Warfare crew to get to the boat. As they were boarding it in rough seas, around 8 p.m. local time, Chambers got knocked off by high waves and Ingram went in after him.
Christopher was awarded the following Medals & Commendations:
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat “C” and 3 bronze stars
- Army Achievement Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Good Conduct Medal w/bronze star
- National Defense Service Medal
- Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal w/bronze star
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/2 bronze stars
- Expert Rifle Medal
- Expert Pistol Medal
Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers is survived by his wife, Mikale and daughter, Kennedy. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.
