Dedicated Sailor Vanishes Without a Trace from Virginia Naval Base
A 21-year-old Navy culinary specialist has mysteriously disappeared from Naval Station Norfolk, sparking an intensive multi-agency search that has left her family desperate for answers. Angelina “Angie” Resendiz was last seen on May 29 at 10 a.m. in her barracks at Miller Hall, and authorities have issued a critically missing adult alert due to credible concerns for her health and safety. The sudden disappearance of this dedicated sailor, who had an impeccable attendance record and strong commitment to military service, has raised serious questions about what happened during those crucial hours when she simply vanished.
The case has captured national attention as investigators work around the clock to piece together the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, while her mother fights to keep the search in the public eye.
The Last Known Hours
Angelina “Angie” Resendiz was last seen on Thursday, May 29, at 10 a.m. at her barracks in Miller Hall at Naval Station Norfolk, according to the Virginia State Police. The timing is particularly significant because Resendiz was known for her reliability and dedication to her duties aboard the USS James E. Williams.
Virginia State Police and the NCIS are looking for 21-year-old Angelina Petra Resendiz, last seen at her barracks on May 29 at 10 a.m. What makes this disappearance especially concerning is the complete absence of any communication or activity since that morning.
The investigation has revealed troubling details about the circumstances. The 21-year-old does not drive or have a vehicle, and she was reported missing after she failed to show up for work, according to WVEC. This lack of transportation makes her sudden disappearance even more puzzling and limits the possible scenarios investigators are considering.
A Mother’s Desperate Search for Answers
Esmeralda Castle, Angelina’s mother, has become the most vocal advocate for finding her daughter. Her statements paint a picture of a responsible young woman who would never abandon her duties or disappear voluntarily.
“My kid is missing, and she wouldn’t just unauthorized leave without permission,” Castle says. This sentiment reflects the family’s firm belief that something happened to Angelina against her will.
Castle has provided crucial insights into her daughter’s character that support the theory that this disappearance is involuntary. Resendiz’s mother, Esmeralda Castle, insists that her daughter “does not miss work. Sick, snow, feeling down, she shows up.” This description of unwavering dedication makes her absence from duty particularly alarming.
The mother has also revealed disturbing details about the complete lack of activity since her daughter’s disappearance. “She just stopped existing Thursday. She’s spent no money, made no calls,” Castle told WVEC. This total absence of any digital footprint or financial activity suggests either foul play or a situation where Angelina is unable to communicate.
Profile of a Dedicated Service Member
Angelina Resendiz represents the best of America’s young military personnel. Resendiz, a Texas native, is a culinary specialist assigned to the USS James E. Williams, the Navy said. Her role as a culinary specialist is crucial to maintaining morale and nutrition for her fellow sailors.
Resendiz joined the Navy in 2023 after high school “because she felt it was something that called her,” Castle wrote to ABC News. This sense of calling and purpose makes her disappearance even more heartbreaking for those who knew her dedication to service.
Her physical description has been widely circulated to aid in the search. Angelina Petra Resendiz is described as a white/Hispanic female, standing 5’0″ tall and weighing 110 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes.
Multi-Agency Investigation Intensifies
The seriousness of this case is reflected in the level of law enforcement response. Virginia State Police issued a critically missing adult alert stating “This disappearance poses a credible threat to their health and safety as determined by the investigating agency.”
Multiple agencies are coordinating their efforts in this investigation. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is leading the military aspect of the investigation, while Virginia State Police handle the civilian law enforcement response. This joint approach ensures that all possible leads and jurisdictional issues are properly addressed.
Out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS will not comment further while the investigation remains ongoing. While this silence can be frustrating for the family and public, it’s standard practice to protect the integrity of active investigations.
The Broader Context of Military Safety
Angelina’s disappearance occurs against a backdrop of ongoing concerns about the safety and security of military personnel, particularly young service members living in barracks environments. The case highlights several important issues:
Barracks Security: The fact that someone could disappear from military barracks raises questions about access control and monitoring systems that are supposed to protect our service members.
Support Systems: Young military personnel, often far from home for the first time, need robust support networks to help them navigate challenges and ensure their wellbeing.
Communication Protocols: The military’s response to missing personnel cases affects how quickly searches can begin and how effectively resources can be deployed.
How the Public Can Help
Law enforcement agencies are actively seeking public assistance in this case. Anyone with information regarding Resendiz’s whereabouts is urged by NCIS to contact the agency at (877) 579-3648 or using the NCIS Tips app.
The public can help by:
- Sharing Angelina’s photo and description on social media platforms
- Reporting any sightings or relevant information to authorities immediately
- Keeping the Norfolk area under observation for any signs of the missing sailor
- Supporting the family’s efforts to maintain media attention on the case
Family Taking Action
Castle says she’s taking matters into her own hands to uncover the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s disappearance. This proactive approach by the family demonstrates their commitment to finding answers when official channels may not be moving quickly enough for their peace of mind.
The family’s advocacy serves several important purposes:
- Keeping the case in public awareness
- Pressuring authorities to maintain active investigation efforts
- Encouraging potential witnesses to come forward
- Building community support for the search efforts
Moving Forward
As the search for Angelina Resendiz continues, several key factors will likely influence the outcome:
Time Sensitivity: Missing person cases become more challenging as time passes, making immediate action crucial.
Public Awareness: Continued media coverage and social media sharing can generate tips and leads.
Investigative Resources: The combined efforts of NCIS and Virginia State Police provide substantial investigative capability.
Community Support: Local community involvement can provide additional eyes and ears in the search effort.
The disappearance of Angelina Resendiz represents more than just another missing person case. It’s a reminder of the vulnerability of our young service members and the importance of community support when they face danger. Her mother’s words echo the sentiments of military families everywhere: these brave young people deserve our protection and our commitment to finding them when they’re in trouble.
This case demands our attention not just because Angelina is a missing person, but because she represents the thousands of young Americans who have answered the call to serve their country. They deserve our support, our vigilance, and our determination to ensure their safety.
The search for Angelina Resendiz continues, and every day that passes makes finding her more urgent. Her family needs our support, investigators need our cooperation, and Angelina needs us to keep her story alive until she’s found.
What are your thoughts on this case? Have you seen anything that might help investigators? Leave a comment below and share this story with your friends and family to help spread awareness about Angelina’s disappearance.
