A U.S. Navy sailor, Nija “Towny” Townsend Jr., has been missing for almost a week after leaving the USS Germantown for liberty call in San Diego, according to friends and family. The 20-year-old, originally from Lake Jackson, Texas, was last seen on Saturday afternoon. Despite his phone being turned on and fully charged, authorities have reportedly refused to ping its location. Shipmates reached out to friends and relatives when he failed to return, but no one has seen him since.
Townsend’s mother, Courtney Frazier, expressed concern over the lack of action from law enforcement agencies. She attempted to file a missing person report with the San Diego police, who declined to accept it due to a lack of evidence of foul play or imminent danger. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) also informed her that they couldn’t assist without such indications.
Frazier turned to Townsend’s cellphone carrier, Verizon, for help. They confirmed that his phone was turned on and fully charged but couldn’t track its location without a request from the police. Frustrated by the lack of information, Frazier emphasized the importance of ensuring her son’s safety.
Townsend, described as responsible and dependable by his family, has no known issues with drugs or mental health. His sudden disappearance is considered out of character. He is 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighs around 165 pounds, and wears glasses. Although he was known to frequent a San Diego Quality Inn near the base, he has not checked in there this week.
Townsend’s family is urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the San Diego police. They remain hopeful for his safe return and are desperate for answers.
