Gina Harkins

Gina Harkins previously covered the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard for Military.com. She has covered troops and their families for nearly a decade, reporting from the U.S., Central and South America, and at sea. Before joining Military.com, Gina was a longtime reporter and managing editor for the independent Marine Corps Times. Her story on two recruits trapped at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina was runner up for the 2013 Military Reporters and Editors award for domestic military coverage. She holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and studied political science and international relations in her undergrad at Northeastern Illinois University.

Latest Articles

USS Theodore Roosevelt sailors, who have tested negative twice for COVID-19, return to the ship.

6 Big Takeaways from the Full Navy Investigation into a Carrier's COVID Outbreak

The Navy's investigation included several never-before-seen witness statements.

The plotline on the Polaris, centers around what's known as a tiger cruise. (Photo Courtesy of Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum)

Hallmark Wants Sailors to Be Extras in Navy-Themed 'USS Christmas' Movie

Sailors looking to pocket extra cash ahead of the holiday season can now volunteer for a unique assignment.

Staff Sgt. Jordan Viches stars in the Marine Corps’ new “Battle to Belong” recruiting commercial,

New Recruiting Ad Tells Gen Z to Ditch the Digital World and Join the Marines

The concept for the new ad was based on research on Generation Z, the group born in the late 1990s and beyond.

Inside Black Widow, the Navy’s New Sub-Hunting Exercise to Challenge Russia

Exercise Black Widow, which started Saturday and runs through the end of the week, is focused on anti-submarine warfare.

Staff Sgt. Geoffrey Moshier, an Air Force recruiter, speaks with students.

High School Closures During Pandemic Could Harm Military Recruiting Goals, General Says

The historic closures of schools across the country during the coronavirus pandemic has leaders bracing for challenges.

New Airmen take oath of enlistment Lakeland, Fla.

Air Force Will Set New Diversity Recruiting Targets in 2021

"It's not reverse discrimination," a two-star general said. "This isn't a quota; it's a target."

Navy Commander at Lackland Training Center Fired After Investigation

Cmdr. Robert Arias is at least the third Navy commander removed from his job in recent weeks.

Top Marine Says He Won't Stop Fighting for 1-Year Maternity Leave

The Marine Corps is struggling to retain women because many feel they must choose between a military career and their family.

Marine Commandant Wants Answers on Why Women, Minorities Decline to Seek Command

The Marine Corps has work to do when it comes to building diversity in its top ranks, he said.

An E-2C Hawkeye prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Nimitz

Navy Early Warning Plane Damaged After Hitting Parked Super Hornet on Carrier Deck

It was the second mishap on the Nimitz in two weeks.

The Navy Is Preparing for a Major Unmanned Battle Test in the Pacific

The Navy will deploy drones that operate in the air, underwater and on the surface to the Pacific next year.

Cloth face coverings will now be required for events where social distancing can't be maintained.

For Marines, the Break from PFTs and Tape Tests Is Over

The combat and physical fitness tests, along with the Body Composition Program, will resume immediately.

Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Ian McKnight. Photo via the Navy

Navy Ends 3-Day Search for Sailor Missing from Carrier Nimitz

Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Ian McKnight was not found following an extensive search in the North Arabian Sea.

Ships assigned to the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group participate in a strait transit exercise in the Pacific Ocean on April 3, 2017. Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ian Kinkead/Navy

Search Underway After Sailor Goes Missing from Carrier Nimitz

Search-and-rescue efforts are underway in the North Arabian Sea,

Sailors run on the indoor track on Fort Carson.

Admiral Announces Plan to Restart Navy Fitness Tests

The chief of naval personnel said the Navy can hold future fitness tests without requiring people to be close to one another.

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