As a Navy jet pilot (callsign "Maverick" = loner), Tom Cruise defended the USA against evil in the world on the big screen. Probably the most famous "fighter pilot" in the world, his role has noticeably enhanced the reputation of the military and he is now a decorated naval hero.
The actor has been awarded the Navy's highest civilian honour for his outstanding support for the US Navy and the US Marine Corps over four decades. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro honoured Thomas "Tom" Cruise with the "Distinguished Public Service Award" in a festive ceremony.
Cruise was honoured for his roles in the action hits "Born on the 4th of July", "A Question of Honour", the Mission Impossible series and especially the two Top Gun films, with which he made international film history.
The Navy thanked the action hero for raising public awareness and appreciation for the highly skilled personnel and the sacrifices they make in uniform. His work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps, the Secretary of the Navy said.
The 62-year-old actor replied that he was proud of this "extraordinary recognition" that he had received with the medal and certificate. He admires all soldiers and believes wholeheartedly that leading also means serving. And that is what he sees in the soldiers, said Cruise.
Tom Cruise during the premiere of "Top Gun - Maverick" in May 2022. Photo: US Navy / Keenan Daniels
Recruitment successes
Top Gun - the 1986 hit film about the Cold War's ace pilots - made Cruise a star as Lieutenant Pete Mitchell. Immediately after the film's release, the number of volunteers signing up for the military skyrocketed. The Navy even set up recruitment tables in cinemas.
The second part was again met with great enthusiasm in 2022. In "Top Gun - Maverick", the ageing pilot Captain Mitchell leads a young generation of elite pilots. The navy said that this sequel in particular had revitalised younger audiences' interest in the military and allowed older viewers to reminisce. How true!
Recipe for success
The US Department of Defence and the US armed forces regularly support cinema productions for recruitment purposes. Money for film production often comes from government funding and the filmmakers are allowed to use military equipment after submitting the script. Occasionally, active US servicemen and women even appear in film productions.
The ceremony took place in Chertsey, Surrey, at Longcross Studios south-west of London, where the next film in the Mission Impossible series was shot. Lead actor Tom Cruise is now the 36th Honorary Naval Aviator.
There is no better way to promote young talent! Chapeau!
Speaking of London: Actor Daniel Craig, aka Commander James Bond, was also honoured by the Royal Navy in 2021 and is helping to alleviate the enormous recruitment problems in the British armed forces. Marineforum reported on this on 01.10.2021.
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