An Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy releases flares during a test at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., May 12, 2021. The aircrew released the flares as part of a two-week defensive countermeasures test program with the 46th Test Squadron.
Monday, May 24, 2021
Constitution Cannons
USS Constitution fires its cannons as it's tugged through Boston Harbor, May 21, 2021. Sailors stationed aboard the Constitution provide free tours to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ship’s mission of promoting Navy history. USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat.
Smoky Training
Soldiers take part in live-fire training during an infantry advanced leaders course hosted by the New Jersey National Guard at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., May 21, 2021.
Night Landing
A CV-22 Osprey lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America during operations in the Pacific Ocean, May 20, 2021.
Bingo Time
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Quinn marks a bingo card during downtime aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Roosevelt in the Atlantic Ocean, May 23, 2021.
Posting Security
Marines and Japanese soldiers post security while conducting a multilateral assault during Exercise Jeanne D’ Arc at Kirishima Maneuver Area, Japan, May 15, 2021.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Army Sgt. 1st Class Brian Bowling, a critical care flight paramedic with the 129th Aviation Regiment, prepares COVID-19 vaccination syringes for distribution at a medical center in Kingman, Ariz., May 12, 2021. More than 850 Arizona National Guardsmen continue to assist at vaccination sites and food banks throughout Arizona.
Food Donations
Army Pvt. Antonio Ocampo, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 1348th Maintenance Company, Arizona Army National Guard, prepares boxes of groceries to be delivered to area residents at a food bank in Phoenix, Ariz., May 21, 2021. The Arizona National Guard is continuing to support food banks as well as COVID-19 vaccination sites statewide.
Side View
An Army Special Forces solider rides in a Greek helicopter during the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre Sniper Course in Souda Bay Greece, April 21, 2021. The course was designed to improve the accuracy of snipers from land, air and naval vessels.
Night Flight
An Air Force Fighting Falcon receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility May 9, 2021.
Sea Ops
The USNS Big Horn, left, conducts a replenishment with the French navy FS Tonnerre while the FS Surcouf follows in the Philippine Sea, May 19, 2021.
Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Departure of the National Guard From the Capitol Complex
May 24, 2021
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard who for the last five months have been standing watch over the Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C.
They came here from all 54 states and territories, leaving behind jobs, homes and families, to bolster security at the Capitol in the wake of the dramatic events on January 6th. Many of them volunteered for this duty, and most of them did so on little notice. In good weather and bad -- sometimes cold and wet and tired -- they provided critical capability to the Capitol Police and local authorities.
These airmen and soldiers protected not only the grounds, but the lawmakers working on those grounds, ensuring the people’s business could continue unabated. They lived out in very tangible ways the oath they took to support and defend the Constitution.
It’s been a trying but telling year for the National Guard. Between natural disasters, civil unrest and an ongoing pandemic, our Guardsmen and women have been tested time and time again. And each time, they have performed magnificently. So magnificently, in fact, that it would be all too easy to take their service -- and that of their incredible families -- for granted. We won’t do that, of course, because we know we will continue to call on them in times of need.
As these troops depart for home and a much-deserved reunion with loved ones, I hope they do so knowing how much the nation appreciates their service and sacrifice -- and that of their families and employers. I hope they know how very proud we are of them.
Concrete Cutters
Pacific Deployment
The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan steams off the coast of Iwo To, formerly referred to as Iwo Jima, in the Pacific Ocean, May 22, 2021.
May 24, 2021 | , DOD News
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have shaped the history of the United States and have had their lives dramatically influenced by moments in its history. Every May the Defense Department joins the rest of the nation in celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Fa'atuatua Pinkston was born in San Jose, California, and grew up in St. Louis. Her mother was born in Apia, American Samoa.
Pinkston said she's doubly proud of her heritage: Pacific Islander, from her mother's side, and African American from her father's side.
"To be an American in the armed forces and being able to express my heritage and culture is very honorable for me," she said. "It is very hard to find others of Samoan heritage but when we do find them, the pride is strong!"
Pinkston said she studied the island culture, which included tribal tattoos and native dances, with special historical meaning associated with those rituals. "A lot of people are excited to hear our interesting stories about those things."
Pinkston said she joined the Navy because she loves the ocean and was fascinated with the structure of the naval vessels. "Something about warships really pulled my interest."
As an information systems technician, she said she manages everything from communications systems to computer networks.
After boot camp in Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, she served aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier from 2016 to 2019, homeported in San Diego.
She's already been on two deployments in the Pacific and participated in the allied, fleet-wide Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, Exercise.
RIMPAC, is the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise. It's held biennially during June and July of even-numbered years in Honolulu. The only exception was 2020 when it was held in August.
After her time aboard the carrier, Pinkston was stationed at the Defense Intelligence Agency in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. A few weeks ago, she detached from that command and soon will be assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Pinkston is also a gifted rugby player, on the Navy Women's Rugby team.
Growing up, Pinkston said she always knew that rugby was her sport of passion but there were no nearby teams in her St. Louis neighborhood.
It wasn't until she was stationed in San Diego that she was able to start playing rugby after learning the basics.
"Rugby has definitely made me a better sailor and person overall," she said.
Rugby is a physical as well as a mental sport. It helps build teamwork and leadership, both important traits to have in the Navy, she said.
"Rugby made me realize my true physical strength, power and potential. I am a beast! I am unstoppable! I am what I envisioned myself to be and rugby helped bring it out. It also helped me dig deeper into my roots as I can compete against women bigger than me and still hold my ground or push further! It has made me powerful and unlocked that skill! Rugby has made [me] confident in every obstacle I take on! If I can take on rugby, I can take on anything!" she said.
Pinkston's future plans are to continue excelling in her Navy career and taking advantage of college courses and certifications and other resources that are offered. She added that as she grows as a leader, she'd like to mentor younger shipmates.
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