Heather Mongilio
@heathermongilio.bsky.social
Reporter with USNI News, covering the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard. Focused on personnel, medicine and seas with colors in their names. American U, MIT alumna. Ice skater who bakes. Tips: [email protected], Signal: @HMongilio.52
Pinned
Military Concerns
forms.gle
I'm trying something new this year for reporting: Help me help you by filling out this form when you have a concern or issue you would like me to look into. You can be anonymous. forms.gle/mqjpXcP9Vyyw...
Who are the people on the suspected drug boats? @apnews.com identified a few: apnews.com/article/trum...
Trump has accused boat crews of being narco-terrorists. The truth, AP found, is more nuanced
One was a fisherman struggling to eke out a living on $100 a month. Another was a career criminal. A third was a former military cadet.
apnews.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Who are the people on the suspected drug boats? @apnews.com identified a few: apnews.com/article/trum...
At @usni.org, we are reporting the death toll from these strikes as 70. That's because the Mexican Navy called off the search for one of the people initially said to be a survivor of a strike. news.usni.org/2025/11/07/u...
U.S. Strikes Suspected Narco Boat in Caribbean, 3 Killed - USNI News
U.S. forces struck a suspected drug boat Thursday in the Caribbean Sea, killing three people on board. “The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean and was struck in international waters. No...
news.usni.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:32 PM
At @usni.org, we are reporting the death toll from these strikes as 70. That's because the Mexican Navy called off the search for one of the people initially said to be a survivor of a strike. news.usni.org/2025/11/07/u...
The Navy is investigating USS Nimitz’s fuel supply as it looks into what caused two aircraft to crash in South China Sea. news.usni.org/2025/10/27/n...
Navy Probes USS Nimitz Fuel Supply After Crashes, Trump Points to ‘Bad Fuel’ - USNI News
The Navy is investigating the fuel supply of aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) as a possible cause for two U.S. aircraft crashes in the South China Sea, President Donald Trump told reporters during...
news.usni.org
October 27, 2025 at 9:49 PM
The Navy is investigating USS Nimitz’s fuel supply as it looks into what caused two aircraft to crash in South China Sea. news.usni.org/2025/10/27/n...
USS Nimitz lost two aircraft while sailing in the South China Sea (via @samlagrone.bsky.social) news.usni.org/2025/10/26/s...
Super Hornet, Helicopter Assigned to USS Nimitz Crash in South China Sea in Separate Incidents, Crew Safe - USNI News
An F/A-18F Super Hornet and an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) crashed in the South China Sea on Sunday in two separate incidents in the Pacific, USNI News ...
news.usni.org
October 26, 2025 at 10:56 PM
USS Nimitz lost two aircraft while sailing in the South China Sea (via @samlagrone.bsky.social) news.usni.org/2025/10/26/s...
Some big news out of U.S. Southern Command as the Pentagon announces a 10th strike and that the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is heading there.
news.usni.org/2025/10/24/u...
news.usni.org/2025/10/24/u...
U.S. Military Strikes 10th Suspected Narco Boat Killing Six, Pentagon Says - USNI News
The U.S. military destroyed a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, killing six, Pentagon officials said Friday. U.S. forces carried out a “lethal kinetic strike” on the boat overnight, De...
news.usni.org
October 24, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Some big news out of U.S. Southern Command as the Pentagon announces a 10th strike and that the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is heading there.
news.usni.org/2025/10/24/u...
news.usni.org/2025/10/24/u...
October is National Domestic Violence (Intimate Partner Violence) Awareness Month. I would like to be able to expand reporting on this in the context of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. If you're interested in talking, reach me here or on Signal (HMongilio.52)
October 21, 2025 at 5:25 PM
October is National Domestic Violence (Intimate Partner Violence) Awareness Month. I would like to be able to expand reporting on this in the context of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. If you're interested in talking, reach me here or on Signal (HMongilio.52)
A Navy sailor was found dead in Navy housing near Great Lakes Naval Station. Prelim investigation suggest it was a homicide. news.usni.org/2025/10/21/n...
Sailor Found Dead in Great Lakes Navy Housing, Local Coroner Says - USNI News
A Navy sailor died on Oct. 10 in an apparent homicide, the Lake County, Ill., Coroner’s Office told USNI News. The preliminary investigation by the North Chicago Police Department indicates John Taylo...
news.usni.org
October 21, 2025 at 5:23 PM
A Navy sailor was found dead in Navy housing near Great Lakes Naval Station. Prelim investigation suggest it was a homicide. news.usni.org/2025/10/21/n...
For those who don’t deal with the media, there are two things to know about “off the record.” First, both parties must agree. Second, you have to say it before the conversation begins. Think of it like a verbal contract between the two parties.
EXCLUSIVE: One Saturday afternoon in October, my phone lit up with a notification.
I glanced down at the message.
“Anna, Lindsey Halligan here,” it began.
So began my text exchange with the woman who is prosecuting the president's perceived political enemies.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
I glanced down at the message.
“Anna, Lindsey Halligan here,” it began.
So began my text exchange with the woman who is prosecuting the president's perceived political enemies.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
October 21, 2025 at 12:56 AM
For those who don’t deal with the media, there are two things to know about “off the record.” First, both parties must agree. Second, you have to say it before the conversation begins. Think of it like a verbal contract between the two parties.
I will say I have a voice for print, but I spoke to @ABCaustralia’s Radio National Breakfast about the majority of the Pentagon press corps turning in our badges yesterday. www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Pentagon's press pool walks out - ABC listen
Journalists covering the Pentagon have turned in their press badges and emptied their offices over drastic new restrictions on their reporting.
www.abc.net.au
October 17, 2025 at 6:16 AM
I will say I have a voice for print, but I spoke to @ABCaustralia’s Radio National Breakfast about the majority of the Pentagon press corps turning in our badges yesterday. www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
My coworker Mallory talked with @thebulwark.com about the majority of the Pentagon press corps turning in their badges instead of signing a new policy that would limit the ability to report. Give it a watch. youtu.be/_OzNLboxPAw?...
Dozens of Reporters Walked Out of the Pentagon (w/ Mallory Shelbourne)
YouTube video by The Bulwark
youtu.be
October 17, 2025 at 12:05 AM
My coworker Mallory talked with @thebulwark.com about the majority of the Pentagon press corps turning in their badges instead of signing a new policy that would limit the ability to report. Give it a watch. youtu.be/_OzNLboxPAw?...
What is in the Pentagon requirements for a press badge, which most news organizations, declined to sign? Here’s a breakdown by @nytimes.com: www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
What Do the New Pentagon Press Reporting Rules Say?
The new rules codify strict limitations on access and raise the prospect of punishment for requesting information on matters of public interest.
www.nytimes.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:12 PM
What is in the Pentagon requirements for a press badge, which most news organizations, declined to sign? Here’s a breakdown by @nytimes.com: www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
The Naval Safety Command has not posted its fiscal year-end summary of mishaps, which include sailor and Marine deaths. The report usually comes out in October. This is likely due to the government shutdown.
October 16, 2025 at 4:43 PM
The Naval Safety Command has not posted its fiscal year-end summary of mishaps, which include sailor and Marine deaths. The report usually comes out in October. This is likely due to the government shutdown.
Reposted by Heather Mongilio
NEW for @washingtonpost.com:
Pentagon reporters exited the building in unison Wednesday after turning in their badges, having refused to sign the Defense Department's press policy.
@nancyayoussef.bsky.social called it a “sad day for those who support a free press.”
Pentagon reporters exited the building in unison Wednesday after turning in their badges, having refused to sign the Defense Department's press policy.
@nancyayoussef.bsky.social called it a “sad day for those who support a free press.”
Reporters leave Pentagon en masse after refusing to sign on to new rules
After turning in their press credentials, journalists covering the Defense Department walked out rather than comply with its restrictive new policies.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:14 PM
NEW for @washingtonpost.com:
Pentagon reporters exited the building in unison Wednesday after turning in their badges, having refused to sign the Defense Department's press policy.
@nancyayoussef.bsky.social called it a “sad day for those who support a free press.”
Pentagon reporters exited the building in unison Wednesday after turning in their badges, having refused to sign the Defense Department's press policy.
@nancyayoussef.bsky.social called it a “sad day for those who support a free press.”
Pentagon Press Association statement on today
October 15, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Pentagon Press Association statement on today
It’s such a tiny thing, but I was really proud to see my picture up on the wall of Pentagon correspondents. Today, I’ll hand in my badge. The reporting will continue. Reach me on Signal at HMongilio.52 or at [email protected]
October 15, 2025 at 4:50 PM
It’s such a tiny thing, but I was really proud to see my picture up on the wall of Pentagon correspondents. Today, I’ll hand in my badge. The reporting will continue. Reach me on Signal at HMongilio.52 or at [email protected]
“This policy threatens to punish reporters who ask legitimate questions in the course of their daily work and to impose material harm on our news organizations for factual reporting.” news.usni.org/2025/10/15/d...
Defense Trade Press Statement on Media Restrictions at the Pentagon - USNI News
The following is the Oct. 15, 2025, defense trade press statement on media restrictions at the Pentagon. The statement is co-signed by USNI News. For decades, the defense trade media has been a truste...
news.usni.org
October 15, 2025 at 4:40 PM
“This policy threatens to punish reporters who ask legitimate questions in the course of their daily work and to impose material harm on our news organizations for factual reporting.” news.usni.org/2025/10/15/d...
There’s a lot to be said about the Pentagon restriction’s on press freedom and why so many of us are turning in our badges. But so many have already put it in good words. So here’s what I’ll say: tomorrow, I’m going to do my job. And the next day. And the next day.
October 14, 2025 at 11:46 PM
There’s a lot to be said about the Pentagon restriction’s on press freedom and why so many of us are turning in our badges. But so many have already put it in good words. So here’s what I’ll say: tomorrow, I’m going to do my job. And the next day. And the next day.
“Make no mistake – this is an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and on the American people, who deserve accurate reporting on how the world’s largest military is funded and managed with their tax dollars.” www.militaryreporters.org/2025/10/mre-...
MRE Remains Opposed to Pentagon Pledge - Military Reporters and Editors
News from Military Reporters and Editors - MRE for reporters, editors, digital, photo and visual journalists covering the military, national security and defense.
www.militaryreporters.org
October 14, 2025 at 1:58 AM
“Make no mistake – this is an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and on the American people, who deserve accurate reporting on how the world’s largest military is funded and managed with their tax dollars.” www.militaryreporters.org/2025/10/mre-...
Reposted by Heather Mongilio
WaPo joins NYT, CNN, The Atlantic, Guardian and others, according to @ScottNover, in announcing it won't sign the Pentagon's controversial new press policy.
October 13, 2025 at 6:29 PM
WaPo joins NYT, CNN, The Atlantic, Guardian and others, according to @ScottNover, in announcing it won't sign the Pentagon's controversial new press policy.
If anyone wants to talk Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard personnel stories, I can always be found on Signal.
October 13, 2025 at 9:44 PM
If anyone wants to talk Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard personnel stories, I can always be found on Signal.
Journalists are people. And these types of tweets and messages have consequences. A reminder that during the first Trump administration, five people were killed at The Capital in Annapolis.
October 11, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Journalists are people. And these types of tweets and messages have consequences. A reminder that during the first Trump administration, five people were killed at The Capital in Annapolis.
A mariner died from his injuries sustained in a late September Houthi attack, bringing the total of Houthi-caused deaths from attacks on commercial ships to at least 18. news.usni.org/2025/10/10/m...
Mariner Dies From Injuries Sustained in Late September Houthi Attack - USNI News
A merchant sailor has died from injuries he received in a Houthi attack on M/V Minervagracht last month, the company that operates the ship said this week. With the death of the mariner, the Houthis h...
news.usni.org
October 10, 2025 at 5:54 PM
A mariner died from his injuries sustained in a late September Houthi attack, bringing the total of Houthi-caused deaths from attacks on commercial ships to at least 18. news.usni.org/2025/10/10/m...
There are a lot of concerning things happening with the press, and it would be great if they got as much attention as Jimmy Kimmel did when he was taken off air. (shout out to @jimmykimmel.com for highlighting them in his monologue.)
October 8, 2025 at 7:33 PM
There are a lot of concerning things happening with the press, and it would be great if they got as much attention as Jimmy Kimmel did when he was taken off air. (shout out to @jimmykimmel.com for highlighting them in his monologue.)
Active-duty sailors, Marines still required to get flu vaccine: news.usni.org/2025/10/02/m...
Marines, Sailors Required to get Flu Shot Despite Pentagon Policy Change - USNI News
Active-duty Marines and sailors must still get the annual flu shot, despite changes to the Pentagon’s policy, a Defense Department official confirmed to USNI News. The Pentagon released new guidance i...
news.usni.org
October 2, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Active-duty sailors, Marines still required to get flu vaccine: news.usni.org/2025/10/02/m...
Here’s how the shutdown affects sailors and Marines. news.usni.org/2025/10/02/s...
SHUTDOWN: Resources Available to Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Civilian Workers - USNI News
The partial U.S. government shutdown threatens to leave thousands of sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and women and civilian workers without pay, while non-essential operations grind to a halt due to...
news.usni.org
October 2, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Here’s how the shutdown affects sailors and Marines. news.usni.org/2025/10/02/s...