Reports from official U.S. Navy events or press releases

Tom Cruise Receives U.S. Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award at Longcross Studios for Boosting Military Recruitment

Dec 17, 2024, 06:06 PM

Tom Cruise, a 62-year-old actor, has been awarded the U.S. Navy's highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for his significant contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps through his roles in films such as 'Top Gun,' 'Top Gun: Maverick,' 'Born on the Fourth of July,' 'A Few Good Men,' and the 'Mission: Impossible' series. The award was presented by U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro at a ceremony held at Longcross Studios near London. The Navy recognized Cruise's work for increasing public awareness and appreciation of the military's highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make. Cruise expressed his admiration for servicemen and women, stating, 'To lead is to serve,' a principle he knows to his core. The original 'Top Gun' film in 1986 led to a surge in Navy pilot recruitment, with the Navy setting up recruitment tables in theaters. Its 2022 sequel, 'Top Gun: Maverick,' further boosted interest among younger audiences in naval aviation opportunities, bringing nostalgia to older audiences and reinvigorating the minds of newer ones. Cruise's next on-screen adventure, 'Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning,' is due for release in May 2025.