Tom Cruise and Jerry Bruckheimer become Honorary Naval Aviators for ‘positive impact’ on the US Navy ahead of Top Gun: Maverick debut
He portrayed Lt. Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in the classic ’80s flick Top Gun.
And Tom Cruise was awarded the 35th Honorary Naval Aviator certificate while Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer became the 36th Honorary Naval Aviator in a ceremony held at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.
The 58-year-old actor accepted the award via video call while Jerry, who is also known for Black Hawk Down and Con Air, was on hand to receive the esteemed honor.
Congrats! Tom Cruise was awarded the 35th Honorary Naval Aviator certificate while Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer became the 36th Honorary Naval Aviator in a ceremony held at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles
The Naval Air Forces explained: ‘In the history of motion pictures, there is not a more iconic aviation movie than the 1986 Paramount Pictures film Top Gun.’
‘Its characters, dialogue, and imagery are ingrained in the minds of an entire generation of Americans.
‘The movie captured the hearts of millions, making a profound positive impact on recruiting for Naval Aviation.’
Top Gun follows the adventures of Maverick as he enters the elite Fighter Weapon School at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, Caifornia.
Cool: The 58-year-old actor accepted the award via video call while Jerry, who is also known for Black Hawk Down and Con Air, was on hand to receive the esteemed honor
Danger zone: Tom portrayed Lt. Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in the classic ’80s flick Top Gun
The release also explained that the 1986 movie where Tom portrays a US Navy pilot ‘significantly promoted and supported Naval Aviation and put aircraft carriers and naval aircraft into popular culture’.
Tom and Jerry have both returned to the franchise to make the sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which is slated for release in 2021.
And they’ve been hailed by the Naval Air Forces for seeking to ensure the franchise remains ‘true to the unparalleled tactical excellence of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, the ethos of Naval Aviation, and the fighting spirit of the men and women of the world’s greatest Navy.’
Cool: The Mission: Impossible actor and the 77-year-old producer are now both entitled to wear the Navy’s wings of gold and enjoy the other privileges afforded to Naval Aviators
Wingman: Top Gun follows the adventures of Maverick as he enters the elite Fighter Weapon School at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, Caifornia
The Mission: Impossible actor and the 77-year-old producer are now both entitled to wear the Navy’s wings of gold and enjoy the other privileges afforded to Naval Aviators.
Previous recipients of the award include comedy legend Bob Hope.
Hope became an Honorary Naval Aviator in 1986, having made more than 50 tours for the United Service Organisations and entertained thousands of American military personnel around the world.
Back in action: Tom and Jerry have both returned to the franchise to make the sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which is slated for release in 2021