--- title: "Tom Cruise receives Navy’s highest civilian honor" date: "2024-12-18" modified: "2024-12-18" authors: - name: "Miguel Ortiz" job_title: "Senior Contributor, Army Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/miguelortiz/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/entertainment/tom-cruise-receives-navys-highest-civilian-honor/" categories: - "Entertainment" - "History" - "Movies and TV" - "Navy" --- # Tom Cruise receives Navy’s highest civilian honor ![]() *(U.S. Navy)* 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. ![]() **Tom Cruise (right) receives the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award from SECNAV Carlos Del Toro (U.S. 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. ![tom cruise top gun screening]() **Command Master Chief Nick Wallace, left, takes a selfie with Tom Cruise, center left, Executive Officer, Capt. Gregory Nery, center right, and Commanding Officer, Capt. Dave Pollard, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS* George H.W. Bush*, during a visit to the ship, March 3, 2023 (U.S. Navy)* *Command Master Chief Nick Wallace (left) takes a selfie with Tom Cruise (center left), XO Capt. Gregory Nery (center right), and CO Capt. Dave Pollard (right) (U.S. Navy)** "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. ![A group of 17 people, including Tom Cruise at the center, standing closely together in a room with wood-paneled walls and ceiling. Most individuals are wearing military or navy uniforms, while a few are in casual clothing. The room has framed pictures on the walls and a large TV screen in the background. The group is smiling and posing for the photo.]() **Tom Cruise, center, poses with Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS* George H.W. Bush *(CVN-77) during a visit to the ship, March 2, 2023 (U.S. Navy)** "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. ## Author Miguel Ortiz is a Senior Contributor for We Are The Mighty covering primarily military news and history with an emphasis on weapons technology. He is a former active duty Army officer and remains a member of the Army IRR. After commissioning through San Diego State University Army ROTC, Miguel served with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. He has written for We Are The Mighty since 2020, drawing from his passion for the military community and history. Miguel’s work has also been seen on Business Insider and The Blast. He remains an avid shooter, competing in local USPSA matches. Miguel’s other hobbies are traveling and watch collecting. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()