Farewell, and onward!

Today’s my last day at Defense News; defenseoneI’m heading off to be the deputy editor of Defense One, Atlantic Media’s national-security publication.

I couldn’t be more excited about the new job; it’ll put me back in the thick of covering news, and will allow me to work with great folks, some of whom are former colleagues and others I know so far only by reputation.

2002: Navy Times senior reporter John Burlage receives the Superior Public Service Award from Adm. Vern Clark, Chief of Naval Operations. (U.S. Navy photo)

Here’s Navy Times senior reporter John Burlage, a retired Navy master chief journalist and a mentor to me and many others, receiving the Superior Public Service Award from Adm. Vern Clark, Chief of Naval Operations, in 2002. (U.S. Navy photo)

But it’s a bittersweet moment as well. I joined Gannett Government Media back in 1997 when it was still Army Times Publishing Company. As a new Navy Times reporter, I learned about covering the military from a retired master chief journalist, who drilled into his charges the importance of serving readers who have chosen the path of military service. I went on to work for Defense News in 2001, later took over Armed Forces Journal (and C4ISR Journal and Training & Simulation Journal as well), and last year moved back to Defense News. At each step, I learned from colleagues and contributors who were generous with their time and thought, and I am grateful for all of their help and counsel.

Now it’s time for new lessons and new challenges. Farewell, Defense News, and hello, Defense One!