Tom Cruise has been presented with the US navy’s highest civilian award, for “boosting the force’s recruitment of pilots” thanks to his performance in Top Gun.
The Hollywood star, who played Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the hit film, was presented with the Distinguished Public Service Award – given for acts of heroism or support – at a ceremony held at the Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey.
US navy secretary Carlos Del Toro said the original action film, about a young naval aviator who trains at the force’s fighter weapons school, had “significantly increased” recruitment numbers since its release in 1986.
Cruise, who is a licensed aircraft pilot and is known for performing his own stunts, reprised his role in the long-awaited sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, released in 2022.
The sequel “brought nostalgia to older audiences and reinvigorated the minds of newer audience members”, Mr Del Toro said.
The US navy secretary, who stopped at the studios on his way to visit US forces in Bahrain, gave the award to Cruise for his “exceptional and wide-ranging contributions made to the department of the navy from 1986 to 2023”.
Speaking to an audience of Hollywood professionals and US navy staff, he said: “Tom Cruise has spent nearly four decades as an unwavering supporter of the men, women and families of the navy and marine corps.
“His dedicated support to our sailors, marines and civilians through his efforts in the film industry increased public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.”
‘Proud and overwhelmed’
Wearing a dark suit and light blue tie, Cruise said after receiving the award: “In life, something that is very true to me is – to lead is to serve.
“I know that to my core and I see that in the servicemen and women. I appreciate everyone’s dedication and it’s a true honour to represent them.”
He added: “I’m just very proud and overwhelmed.”
Cruise said he would “continue serving the country to make this world a better place”.
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Top Gun was a huge box office success directed by the late Tony Scott, brother of Sir Ridley Scott, and also starred Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis and Meg Ryan. The sequel was also a hit, securing the biggest ever opening weekend for a Tom Cruise film.
Among those at the ceremony for Cruise was producer and director Christopher McQuarrie, who collaborated with the star on the latest Top Gun movie and four instalments of the Mission Impossible franchise.
The actor’s sister, Cass Capazorio, and Chris Diaz, chief of staff to the secretary of the US navy, also attended.
