Washington: Hollywood star Tom Cruise was honored with the Department of Navy Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award.
Presented by Navy Secretary Carlos del Toro, it is the highest honor that can be given to a civilian outside the Navy Department, People reports.
After appearing in 1986’s Top Gun, an action-packed drama about naval aviators, Cruise directed and produced the 2022 movie office smash Top Gun: Maverick.
According to the press release, the sequel, directed by Joseph Kosinski, “provides a nostalgic touch for older audiences and reinvigorates younger audiences’ interest in the skill set and opportunities the Navy provides.” According to People, “The success of this portrayal led to Cruise being named the U.S. Navy’s 36th Honorary Naval Aviator.”
Cruise received the award during a ceremony at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey, England.
“I know something in life that is absolutely true to me,” he said in a speech. “To lead is to serve. And I know this deeply.” Cruz expressed thanks for the “extraordinary acceptance”, praising the “servicemen and women” around him.
“I am glad that I have been able to be a source of inspiration for the many Sailors who are serving today or have served in the past,” the Oscar nominee said in the press release. “The effort wasn’t just on my part, but I got to work with the cast and crew on all of our sets. They’re the ones who really bring the work to life.”
“It was an honor to present the Defense Public Service Award to Tom Cruise for his decades of advocacy for the Navy through numerous films,” del Toro said. He added, “His work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps.”
Cruise is not the first Hollywood veteran to receive the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Honor. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks also received honors for their work in the 1998 World War II film Saving Private Ryan, People reports.
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ is a 2022 action drama film directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie. It is the sequel to the 1986 film Top Gun. Tom Cruise reprized his starring role as naval aviator Maverick. It also stars Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Monica Barbero, Lewis Pullman, Ed Harris, and Val Kilmer, who reprises his role as Iceman.
Reports suggest Cruise is developing a Top Gun 3, which producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed in March, People reports.
The popular star is all set to be seen in the eighth installment of the action franchise, The Final Reckoning, which will hit the theaters on May 23, 2025.