Chet Ingram & Ryan Johnson: Remembering Navy SEAL Nathan G. Ingram — A Warrior Who Dove Into Darkness to Save a Brother

A Father’s Mission: Honoring the Legacy of Navy SEAL Nathan Gage Ingram

In this deeply moving episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Chet Ingram, the father of Navy SEAL Nathan Gage Ingram, who was lost at sea in January 2024 during a mission off the coast of Somalia. Alongside fellow SEAL Christopher J. Chambers, Gage perished while attempting to board a vessel suspected of smuggling Iranian weapons bound for the Houthi rebels. The mission turned tragic when Chambers was swept overboard, and Gage, in a heroic act of brotherhood, dove in after him — both were lost to the ocean’s current.
Chet, and Gage’s best friend Ryan, reflect on Gage’s remarkable journey from Roanoke, Virginia, to the elite ranks of SEAL Team Three. He shares how his son’s determination and selfless character defined every part of his life, including his final moments.
Chet also opens up about the heartbreak of losing a son, the holes left behind, and the hope he’s now pursuing through the Nathan Gage Ingram Foundation — a mission to support military families in their own times of need.
We also discuss the Navy’s investigation into the incident, which pointed to preventable failures, and how Chet has chosen to turn pain into purpose, even participating in a memorial paddle just miles from where his son is honored in San Diego.
From personal grief to public service, from private tears to lasting legacy — this conversation is a powerful tribute to a son, a hero, and a father's unwavering love.

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• American Airlines pilots, called “100 Vets Who Give a Damn” are retired pilots. They give me opportunity to speak, and make a little money for the foundation. (3:21)
• I’m that dad that when the kids are 4 years old and they’re looking for a soccer coach, I volunteered. (16:47)
• I teach biomechanics and fast pitch softball. (16:55)
• He [Gage] had a lot of heart, played football - still the smallest guy in the world, but as a cornerback, he’d fight you for that ball. (18:05)
• He [Gage] was watching this movie one night. Afterwards, he decided to go for a 4-mile run in the ice. He came back and said “Dad, I’m gonna be a Navy SEAL. (21:50)
• Financially all I ever asked God for was to be comfortable. Never more than I deserved. (28:17)
• Gage and I did the 100k – (6.23 miles) and we did it in just under 4 hours. (42:40)
• Gage loved the kiddos and the puppies. (53:49)
• In an attempt to board the Dhow, going up that unstable ladder, and with the proximity of the boat, it jumped the rail. Chris attempted it and didn’t make good contact and fell 9 feet. (59:14)
• The biggest reward was that between his graduation and boot camp, I asked him to accept Jesus, and he did. (60:20)
• I can’t change the past, but how can I help change the future, based on my experience. (62:27)
• As far as we know those boys are still kickin’ water. He’s still sittin’ in a bar drunk, just waiting for people to come. (62:43)
• [Marcus] We have to have a bar under the sea. (62:47)
• I tell people, he can walk in that door any minute. You don’t know, man. (66:17)
• That’s what happened that day. They knocked on the door, and we’re till living that nightmare. (70:26)
• There are guys getting out now that are able to talk to me about certain things. The incredible impression that Gage made on them. (81:28)
• I want to represent Gage in the highest way possible. (81:47)
• I want the foundation to represent what he would’ve been, what I knew him to be, how he was raised to be, and being validated by stories that are coming back from other people. I think I’m on the right path to basically be a damn good human. (82:11)
• I feel like I’m walking uphill backwards. But at least I’m moving forward. (83:16)
• There aren’t big problems; it’s how you choose to approach them (87:57)
• Think across the horizon. (88:11)
• I can’t offer medical therapy, but I ain’t seen anybody with an issue having a problem when their having fun. (90:35)
• Gage’s retreat – Adventure Therapy Program - is what is what it’s titled. (90:51)
• People always remember him laughing. He never thought he was better than anybody else. He always treated people with love and respect. (107:53)

Support Chet and Nathan Ingram
www.nathangageingram.org

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