Actor Tom Cruise is a staunch advocate for the U.S. Navy. He famously depicted a sailor onscreen in Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, and A Few Good Men. For his work on the Top Gun films which brought increased public awareness and appreciation for the hard work of America’s dedicated sailors, Cruise was made the U.S. Navy’s 36th Honorary Naval Aviator. On December 17, 2024, Cruise was also awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award for his dedication to the Navy.
At a ceremony in London, England, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presented Cruise with the DPS. Established in 1951, the award is highest honor for which civilians not employed by the Department of the Navy can receive. The SECNAV can present the DPS to individuals who have carried out acts of valor or heroism or who have demonstrated exceptionally outstanding service of substantial and long-term benefit to the Navy, Marine Corps or the Department of the Navy as a whole.
“It was an honor to present Tom Cruise with a Defense Public Service award for his decades of naval advocacy through many movies,” Secretary Del Toro said in a Navy press release. “His work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps.” As a result of the first Top Gun film, Navy recruitment surged in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“I’m happy I have been able to be a source of inspiration to many of the sailors who serve today or have served in the past,” Cruise said in the same Navy press release. “The effort was not just on my end, but the cast and crew I get to work with on all our sets. They are what really bring the work to life.” Cruise and the production teams of Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick worked closely with the Navy to bring the service of America’s sailors to the big screen.