May is a month that celebrates the contributions of Americans to the nation’s history and the Defense Department’s commitment to readiness and excellence. For Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Fa'atuatua Pinkston, a proficient information systems technician and standout rugby player, her service exemplifies the warrior ethos, merit, and high standards that define military excellence.
Pinkston joined the Navy out of a deep fascination with naval vessels and a passion for the ocean. “Warships captured my interest, and I wanted to be part of that structure,” she said. As an information systems technician, she applies her technical expertise to manage critical systems—from communications to computer networks—ensuring operational readiness across the fleet.
After completing boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, Pinkston served aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier from 2016 to 2019, homeported in San Diego. During this time, she completed two deployments in the Pacific and contributed to the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise held biennially in Honolulu. Her performance in these high-stakes environments demonstrated her adaptability and skill.
Following her carrier service, Pinkston was assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where she further honed her technical abilities. Recently detached from that command, she is set to join the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia, bringing her expertise to a unit critical to mission success.
Beyond her technical role, Pinkston is a formidable athlete on the Navy Women’s Rugby team. Though she lacked local opportunities to play growing up in St. Louis, she seized the chance to learn and compete when stationed in San Diego. “Rugby has made me a better sailor and a stronger individual,” she said. The sport’s physical and mental demands have sharpened her teamwork, leadership, and resilience—qualities essential to the Navy’s standards.
“Rugby revealed my true strength and potential,” she added. “It’s taught me to harness power, stand firm against challenges, and push beyond limits. If I can master rugby, I can conquer any obstacle.” Her confidence and capability on the field reflect the warrior ethos of perseverance and determination, traits she carries into her naval duties.
Pinkston’s future goals center on excelling in her Navy career, leveraging educational opportunities like college courses and certifications to enhance her skills. As she advances, she aims to mentor younger sailors, sharing the lessons of discipline and leadership she’s gained. Her commitment to growth and service underscores the merit-based excellence the Defense Department values in its force.
Through her technical proficiency, athletic achievements, and dedication to leadership, Pinkston upholds the Navy’s standards of readiness and embodies the warrior spirit that drives mission success.