Capt. Bryan Pinckney, U.S. Navy

Biography

CAPT Pinckney, a native of Richmond, VA, graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. In 2002, he graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Political Science and was commissioned through NROTC program.

His further academic achievements include earning his Master’s degree, with distinction, in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2012 from the Naval War College. In 2023, he served as a National Security Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. His paper, Ad Hoc U.S. Actions Destabilize Taiwan and Places U.S. Interests at Risk was submitted for the U.S. Naval Institute’s essay competition.

Operationally, CAPT Pinckney was designated a Naval Flight Officer in March 2004 with tours as a Weapon System Officer in the F/A-18F SuperHornet at Strike Fighter Squadron Four-One (VFA-41), an instructor for all incoming flight students at VFA-106, the Maintenance and Operations Officer at VFA-32, and the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of VFA-213. He completed multiple deployments in the Pacific and Mediterranean theaters. CAPT Pinckney earned qualifications as a Forward Air Controller (Airborne), F/A-18F Demonstration Aircrew, and Strike Mission Commander.

Ashore, he served as the Aide to the FIFTH Fleet Commander in Manama, Bahrain in 2011. During this tour, CAPT Pinckney obtained extensive experience during the Arab Spring, the drawdown of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the Combined Maritime Force’s efforts to combat piracy. In 2015, CAPT Pinckney reported to the U.S. European Command where he was a Director’s Command Action Group member spearheading USEUCOM’s Mobility Strategy to flow equipment and personnel across western Europe.

In his previous assignment, CAPT Pinckney was the Operations Officer at Carrier Strike Group 15 and was responsible for the long-term planning and day-to-day execution of the integrated training assessment for Carrier Strike Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups, and Independent Deployers. His coordination included technological experimentation and data collection to advance tactics, techniques, and procedures.

CAPT Pinckney has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours and more than 500 carrier arrested landings. He is the recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Strike Flight Air Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), and various campaign and unit medals.