The United States Naval Air Forces indicated that the character played by the actor and the demonstration of aviation tactics, strategies, and equipment in the 1986 film, timely caused a profound positive impact on recruitment for Naval Aviation.
Tom Cruise is one of those actors who is not afraid to explore his own limits. Known for his determination to shoot his most extreme action scenes himself and without doubles, as he continues to do on the ongoing filming of the new installment of the Mission Impossible saga and while preparing what will be the first film filmed in space, the Already a mythical Hollywood star, he received an honorary naval aviation certificate for his role as the expert pilot Maverick in the well-remembered and highly successful Top Gun.
The fearless Maverick became one of pop culture's most iconic characters to return, decades later with Cruise thrust back into the role as the lead in the belated sequel to Top Gun. And the United States Naval Air Force wanted to recognize Cruise's expertise by awarding him, and also producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the title of honorary pilot.
In a ceremony organized at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, the actor was presented with the 35th Honorary Naval Aviator certificate, while the producer received the 36th certificate in the same category. "In movie history, there is no more iconic aviation movie than 1986's Top Gun," the Naval Air Force said in a statement. “Her characters, dialogue, and imagery are ingrained in the minds of an entire generation of Americans. Film production has captured millions of followers around the world, which has had a profound positive impact on recruitment for Naval Aviation”, he noted. The statement went on to highlight Top Gun's ability to bring the world of aviation closer to millions of young people. “It has significantly promoted and supported Naval Aviation and placed aircraft carriers and aircraft in pop culture,” he stressed while praising how the film reproduces the strategies, equipment, and tactics of the US Air Force.
While Bruckheimer was present at the ceremony to receive the honorary title, Cruise had to do it via video call, since he is currently filming Mission Impossible 7 in different European locations. In addition to being one of the busiest actors in Hollywood, Cruise is also a certified pilot and has flown all manner of vehicles both in his movies and in real life, including the sequel to Top Gun: Maverick, which premiered it has been delayed to July 1, 2021, following the coronavirus pandemic.
