December 17th 2024.
Tom Cruise has been recognized with a prestigious award from the US Navy. Known for his impressive list of accomplishments, this latest honor came as a pleasant surprise, even for the seasoned Hollywood veteran himself. The Navy praised him for his role in the iconic film Top Gun, which has had a significant impact on their recruitment of pilots.
Since its debut in 1986, the Top Gun franchise, which includes the highly-anticipated sequel Top Gun: Maverick set to release in 2022, has followed the journey of young pilots training at the Navy's Fighter Weapons School. Tom, who plays Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in the series, was presented with the Distinguished Public Service Award by US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro for his contribution to the popular franchise.
This award, usually reserved for civilians who have displayed acts of heroism or support for the Navy, was a proud moment for Tom. He was beaming with joy as he accepted the award at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey. It was a special moment for him to be recognized by the Navy for his work on a film that has had a significant impact on their recruitment numbers.
As a licensed aircraft pilot and an actor who famously performs his own stunts, Tom returned to his role as Maverick after 36 years for the highly-anticipated sequel, which earned a staggering $1.49 billion at the box office. According to Del Toro, the film "brought nostalgia to older audiences and reinvigorated the minds of newer audience members."
During a stop in Chertsey on his way to visit forces in Bahrain, Del Toro presented Tom with the award, acknowledging the significant increase in the Navy's recruitment numbers due to the popularity of Top Gun. The Mission Impossible star has been a dedicated supporter of the Navy and Marine Corps for nearly four decades, making exceptional contributions to the department from 1986 to 2023.
Tom, who looked thrilled to receive the award, had previously portrayed Maverick in the original 1986 film and its sequel. Del Toro also added that Tom's support and efforts in the film industry have increased public awareness and appreciation for the highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.
In his acceptance speech, Tom shared that to him, leading is serving, a value he sees in the men and women of the armed forces. He expressed his appreciation for their dedication and was honored to represent them. He also promised to continue serving the country and making the world a better place.
The ceremony was filled with guests from the film industry and the military, including Top Gun and Mission Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie, Tom's sister Cass Capazorio, and Chris Diaz, chief of staff to the secretary of the US Navy. Keeping things light-hearted, Tom joked about the 16-foot-tall fake escarpments on the film set, saying they were "way too low" for him to jump from.
In his humble and down-to-earth manner, Tom thanked everyone for joining him at the studio early in the morning, adding that it's all part of his routine - getting on the 4am train and making films all day. He also encouraged anyone with a celebrity story, video, or pictures to get in touch with the entertainment team at The Agency, whether it's via email, phone, or their Submit Stuff page. They would love to hear from you.
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