Lt Col Erin Krizek, U.S. Air Force

For nearly two decades, Lt Col Erin Krizek has served her country as an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance pilot. She has flown both manned and unmanned platforms in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, and ENDURING FREEDOM, and she currently serves as an E-11A pilot at Robins AFB, Georgia. Yet, while her career in the U.S. Air Force has been filled with achievements and challenges, the most defining journey has been one of personal authenticity.
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For 18 years, Erin wore a uniform and a mask, conforming to expectations in a system that did not yet see her for who she truly was. She excelled, leading in high-stakes operations, helping develop the RQ-4B Global Hawk for NATO, and becoming a pivotal figure in airborne command and control. But it wasn’t until 2023 that she finally took flight as her true self. “I served my country for 19 years, but only one of those years was as me,” she reflects.

Coming out as a transgender woman in the Air Force—especially as a pilot—was uncharted territory. The policies were new, the process was complicated, and the risks were real. But Erin’s leadership, competence, and dedication never wavered. She paved the way for future aviators by proving that being authentic and mission-ready are not mutually exclusive. “I was told I was the first to go through this process,” she recalls. “I know I won’t be the last.”

Today, Erin continues to fly, lead, and mentor—not only within her squadron but for every LGBTQ+ service member who wonders if they have a place in the military. “I hope my story shows others that they’re not alone,” she says.

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