Tom Cruise has been presented with the highest civilian award given by the U.S. Navy for advocating naval aviation and inspiring service members.
- Tom Cruise has been named the 36th Honorary Naval Aviator for advocacy for the Navy.
- Top Gun: Maverick fast grossed around $1.496 billion, reviving interest in naval aviation.
The distinguished actor Tom Cruise is honored with the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest recognition given by the Navy to civilians of the United States.
The 62-year-old actor was honored at a ceremony in England on December 17 for his long-time affiliation with the Navy.
In Brief:
- Top Gun (1986) inspired interest in careers in naval aviation.
- Cruise was designated the 36th Honorary Naval Aviator of the Navy of the United States.
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022) went on to gross $1.496 billion worldwide.
- The movie got six Academy Award nominations and won Best Sound.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presented the award, thanking Cruise for his positive influence on Navy recruitment and people’s views of the Navy.
Del Toro said, “His actions have sparked countless others to bravely serve in our Navy and Marine Corps.”
This award indicated Cruise’s extensive support in promoting naval aviation via the original Top Gun and its greatly successful sequel, Maverick.
In accepting the award, he stated humbly that “to lead is to serve.” He thanked everyone who worked with him, saying,
“It is an honor to have inspired so many sailors today and all these years.” He acknowledged that his Navy films were a collaborative effort.
Cruise’s movies about the U.S. Navy have long had a real impact. His first Top Gun, released in the late 1980s, dramatically increased Navy recruitment, while Top Gun: Maverick showed younger viewers that flight careers in naval aviation beckoned them. The sequel, while adrenaline-pumping, went on to become Cruise’s highest-grossing film.
This award puts Cruise on a list with such famous filmmakers as Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who received it for Saving Private Ryan.
It showcases how great an influence entertainment has in military recruitment and how people perceive the military.
While reports say Top Gun 3 is being developed with producer Jerry Bruckheimer, fans can still look forward to more naval action. Cruise will next star in Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning, due to be released on May 23, 2025.
This award sends a signal not only that Cruise supports the Navy but also that Hollywood and the military are indeed interconnected.
Through his efforts to depict naval aviation realistically and to support the armed services, Cruise demonstrates that entertainment can inspire sacrifice and dedication to one’s country.
This award reinforces Cruise’s legacy not just as an action star but as a powerful advocate for the values and strengths of the U.S. Navy to audiences around the world.