Navy says it will no longer release sailors’ service history, another restriction on press access
The Navy said it will withhold sailors’ units, assignments and awards unless a request is of high public interest or the sailor is a public figure.
- The United States Navy is ending the release of sailors' service histories, including duty assignments and awards, marking a major departure from decades of transparency regarding service members involved in news events.
- Officials cite increased security threats and harassment concerns for the decision, which aligns with broader Pentagon press restrictions implemented under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, including requiring official escorts for reporters.
- First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams noted the policy hinders reporting on wounded sailors, calling the suppression "flatly inconsistent with the First Amendment" and an effort to limit public policy scrutiny.
- After withholding a Blue Angels pilot's biography last week, spokeswoman Candice Thresh stated service details will now only be released if the Navy deems a request "of high public interest."
- Seeking further restrictions, the military asked Congress last month to allow withholding "controlled unclassified information" from Freedom of Information Act requests, expanding barriers to public access.
68 Articles
68 Articles
Ottumwa Courier
KFOR-TVNavy revises what information about sailors can be released, citing internal misinterpretation
The U.S. Navy is backing away from statements that it would begin to restrict press and public access to sailors’ service histories. That's information that has been freely offered for decades. The Navy cited an internal misinterpretation of a change…
US Navy says it will no longer release information on a sailor’s service history
The United States Navy is ending its decades-long practice of releasing service history information on sailors, citing an increase in security threats and harassment concerns. The Navy last week released a policy that mandated the sea service remove all public-facing information about its commanding officers, but the branch has since expanded the policy to deny...
US Navy restricting press access to sailors’ service history
The U.S. Navy will no longer release service history information for sailors, ending the decades-long practice to address what officials describe as security threats and harassment concerns. The move comes amid greater press restrictions imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which include a requirement for reporters to be escorted by authorized personnel in the Pentagon. …
Marcos honors Navy personnel wounded in Ayungin incident, assures AFP of support
President Marcos has personally visited two wounded Philippine Navy personnel in Puerto Princesa City, honoring them for their bravery and assuring members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of the government's full support as they continue defending the country's sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos visited the two servicemen at the Camp Ricarte Station Hospital on Thursday, J…
Associated Press News
Navy says it will no longer release sailors' service history, another restriction on press access
The U.S. Navy is restricting press access to information about service members by no longer releasing details about sailors' service history.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 82% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
