Breaking Defense is pleased to announce a key addition to our editorial staff, bringing on board Diana Stancy as Staff Reporter for Naval Warfare.
Diana will be responsible for covering the US Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as global naval developments. She joins Breaking Defense from Fox News Digital, where she covered the White House with a focus on foreign policy and national security issues. Diana previously spent five years covering the military at Navy Times and Military Times, reporting on overseas operations, leadership and a broad variety of naval issues, while also helping anchor a video show. For her coverage, she was the recipient of a Military Reporters and Editors journalism award in November 2025.
A graduate of Elon University, Diana, who comes from a career Navy family, is currently earning her master’s degree in journalism at Georgetown University.
“Diana has proven her journalistic chops over the course of her career, and we’re excited to add her to the team,” Aaron Mehta, Breaking Defense editor-in-chief, said. “What really stood out over the course of our conversations was the pure passion she has about covering the Navy, and I think that’s going to be evident in her coverage going forward.”
“It’s a wonderful development to bring on board an experienced reporter with the commitment that Diana has for naval coverage,” said David Smith, publisher and managing director of Breaking Defense. “In a time when so much development and evolution is happening in naval warfare, having a talented and proven reporter on the beat, one with the depth of Navy awareness that Diana provides, is a real win. I couldn’t be more delighted to welcome her to our industry-leading editorial team, the largest news organization dedicated to defense in the world.”
Diana’s first day is Feb. 9, coinciding with the start of the annual WEST 2026 naval conference. She can be reached now at [email protected]