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Black fighter pilot overcomes childhood doubts, serves in the sky

U.S. Air Force Capt. Gerrod Smith, 36th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, poses for a photo at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 16, 2022. Smith joined the Air Force as a judge advocate, believing it was the highest path he could become as a Black Airman. After trying out a flight simulator at a nearby National Guard installation and receiving compliments on his natural talent, he pursued his childhood aspirations and eventually became a pilot in the most competitive field: fighter jets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tristan Truesdell)

PHOTO BY: Staff Sgt. Tristan Truesdell
VIRIN: 230216-F-BG120-0021.JPG
FULL SIZE: 1.59 MB
Additional Details

CAMERA

NIKON Z 6

LENS

24.0-70.0 mm f/2.8

APERTURE

28/10

SHUTTERSPEED

1/320

ISO

400

IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN

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This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations, which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.