Tom Cruise, whose 1986 film Top Gun caused recruitment for Navy pilots to surge, was awarded the force’s highest civilian honor on Dec. 17 after becoming the 36th Honorary Naval Aviator in 2020.

From sports agent to stock car driver, 62-year-old Tom Cruise has assumed countless on-screen personas over his acting career. One of his most notable roles as dauntless aircraft pilot Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in Top Gun (1986) has recently earned him the U.

Tom Cruise, already the U.S. Navy’s 36th Honorary Naval Aviator, was honored with a Defense Public Service award on Dec. 17. The actor-producer was recognized for his work in 'Top Gun' and 'Top Gun: Maverick,