Ep. 19: Patch Wearers: The Real TOPGUN

[@SyncytheShredESP]

Currently I am stationed at Top Gun, got the pleasure of meeting these 3 pilots and working with them. Very cool, humble guys and it’s an honor to have been around them.

[@americasnavy]

HOOYAH ✈️✈️✈️

[@wes788411]

what’s your job in the Navy?

[@FreeSpirit47]

Many pilots are humble, cool, guys and girls. Not the one I know. He's an arrogant a-hole.

[@FreeSpirit47]

@@wes788411 Most likely he or she is a pilot.

[@Automotive.Master]

I would love them too

[@itsbmeGaming]

"The way I want my daughter to remember me is not just as a pilot, but also just a dad that was there for her. You could be the coolest guy in the world, but if I wasn't a good father, that's what would be remembered" Well said.

[@sagarsharma3653]

My childhood dream. Couldn't make it through selection board, previously 3 times. Hope to make it this time. Help lord, and bless us to fulfill our dreams.

[@TrollerzTV]

Did you make it???

[@sjgreene785]

Do NOT give up!

[@americasnavy]

💪💪💪

[@timothystallings9213]

?

[@slowpoke96Z28]

how did it work out??

[@destro5311]

The level of intelligence and humility these men and women possess is incredible. Growing up on naval bases and around shipyards I was starstruck anytime I saw someone rockin’ the green flight suit. Now I’m 40 and still in awe

[@hanscombe72]

I must admit one thing I heard about the impact of “that movie” was for once these pilots could say “this is what I do for a living”. Not so much the girls and volleyball but flying basic fighter manoeuvres and flying off a carrier. Families of these men and women go through a lot with the cruises and deployments. I think families would be a little more patient if they could see how challenging this life is.

[@bootleg2543]

Yes I completely agree the top gun movie was not 100% factual I and I would also like to add that it’s not that easy to get in the top gun like maverick did it’s not just plain and easy you you actually have to work hard And not be a slacker like him LOL

[@slowpoke96Z28]

seeing the challenge isn't enough. some spouses and families can handle Navy life, some can't. My mom couldn't, my girlfriend could.

[@1stltwife]

It is nice to hear that as a female veteran USN 86-91 and spouse of retired LDO Deck LT 25 years, the deployments post 9/11 were long. I am a disabled veteran who became a social worker and worked with military kids and families because I was a sailor, a spouse and understood. In the last 2 years of his active duty, husband only in our home 10 days! We survived but it's not easy but as a sailor..I understand! God bless America and the Military !

[@WontSeeReplies]

You’re telling me being stationed on a military ship isn’t a life of motorcycles, chicks, and volleyball? Why I never… Next you’ll tell me 60 year old US fighters are no match for the SU57 and hypersonic missiles.. It’s not the plane. It’s the pilot.

[@moutonla]

"We're not in the business of good enough"...well said, Sir and thank you for your service!

[@tinaballinger2903]

My nephew has been going thru all these grueling test and whatever. He has all his flight time and graduate from college. Is trying his best to pass all the credentials to become a navy aviator. Very proud of him. His father is a retired Apache pilot and my other brother-in-law flew black hawks. I guess its in the blood. Good luck. Seems very tough

[@cra139]

I don't think many people realize how hard it is to have the opportunity to train at top gun, let alone be a top gun instructor. Flight training for the Navy is tough in general. Getting a commission, making it through API, survival swim, Primary, advanced, the FRS, followed by a successful fleet tour as a junior JO (all the while getting qualifications in whatever fleet aircraft you're flying) is no easy feat. Getting accepted into top gun means you did all of the above exceptionally well (above most of your peers), selected jets out of primary (which is pretty tough). I never really knew what these guys were all about besides watching the movie and a few documentaries, to be honest. I just made it to advanced training for helicopters and the amount of time to prep, study, and actually perform for each flight while someone is constantly grading you on every little thing made me appreciate the work and effort these guys put in to be where they're at.

[@KevinRaghunandan]

Did you want jets? Any advice to give ?

[@MajorCaliber]

SOOOooo... then smoking a lot of dope and watching PMSNBC might NOT be the way to get there? ;')

[@alexanderolson6365]

@@MajorCaliber interesting remark, I’m a junior in college with some hours from a part 141 and am hoping to attend OCS in 2023

[@americasnavy]

💪💪💪

[@slowpoke96Z28]

Best wishes shipmate.

[@mynameistooey]

thank you for taking the time to post this video the men and women that fly for the armed forces deserve the greatest respect from me and my family

[@americasnavy]

HOOYAH!

[@Lexusfordd]

Huaaaaa🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@JRN007]

I love seeing the real deal videos of our actual service members. Movies are fun but the real deal is truly a gift. Thanks everyone that has or is serving in any capacity. Much respect.

[@efm2169]

My uncle flew combat missions in the f4 phantom in Vietnam. Then years later flew the f15 strike eagle. Eventfully was a top gun instructor for a while. He retired along time ago

[@brightpage1020]

Thank you all so much for your service and for this video! This was so awesome. My husband used to be in the Navy and always jokes our 6 y/o would be a great Air Force candidate. The kid’s super smart, amazing memory, phenomenal physical speed… and sort of a spaz, so a lot of fun. He’s been asking a lot about it and we showed all our children this video to show him what it would be like. They all loved the Dad saying how important his role as a dad is… and how much the words “honor” and “humble” were used to describe the Air Force experience. Looks amazing! Quite an impression on all our children. Thank you! Maybe we’ll see you all again in a decade or so… PS - our 5 y/o loved the action in the planes in flight the most. Heads: He might have some superhero type abilities. He picked up a sofa at age 3 and his heavy wooden storage bunk at age 4. The whole bunk bed. He saw me vacuuming and decided to help with the sofa. Next, he dropped a toy under the bunk bed he shares with his brother and just bent down to pick the whole bed up to retrieve it like no big thing. He’s solid. He’s got more of a SEAl vibe, though. Loves the water. 1st time in Lake Michigan he faced his fear scuttling off a pier into the water, swam 30 ft. Over the deep end (it’s darker than the shallows) to a water trampoline, climbed his heart out to get up there, swam into the beach after, under the dock, and declared “I like this pond, Mom!” He and his big bro run up on the shore, then lie down to spontaneously army crawl over the rocks to the waves, jump up giggling and repeat the exercise. Yep. Navy bros. Cheers to your continued success! U.S.A.!!! Hoo-rah!

[@South.Florida.Aviation]

This has been my dream since I was three, working hard to achieve it. Hopefully I’ll be in NROTC in two years

[@johnlochner8868]

I’m on scholarship at Tulane NROTC rn, gunning for a pilot slot, good luck man

[@ej9925]

hell yea bro! same here, hoping to go marine option and being a pilot, but other than that, same.

[@harpy5728]

I m also trying to get my ATPL but if I had chance I would go for the navy. Good luck mate greetings from Istanbul! Hope you will achieve it !!!

[@Lebronwski]

3???

[@americasnavy]

✈✈✈

[@RedBroski]

This is incredibly cool. I can't imagine the absolute euphoria of flying in one of those fighter jets. That's a whole nother level of life right there. The adrenaline, the sounds, the sensations. It's something I wish so badly I could do, but I'd probably just drop dead on day one of training. These people are incredible and on a totally different level of strong. Truly living life to its fullest. Someday, I want to fly in one of those, or at least just sit in one. The fact that such a complex piece of machinery exists and can function the way it does, somebody designed that, somebody made that, somebody flew it! It's amazing!

[@dokushinkizokubochi]

Thank you four your service from your old friend Japan. I love Us Navy.

[@Moon_Mann11]

4:22 bottom row, 2nd from right is Major Mike Cederholm who is now a Major General in charge of the 2nd MAW based at MCAS Cherry Point. Met him while on duty at building 1. Really cool guy, I wish I knew he was a Top Gun instructor. I would have asked him a ton of questions.

[@alexanderolson6365]

It’s really cool that you can point out people in the Video, I’m trying to connect with the instructors on LinkedIn 😂

[@americasnavy]

😂😂

[@blueknight5754]

God bless you all..it’s such a great feeling knowing that you guys are in the sky keeping us safe..with all that has happened in the past few weeks it’s important to say thank you and hope that you are safe!

[@americasnavy]

Thank you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@swissyodelbear]

0:33 thank you so much for sharing this. My interaction with equivalent REAL TOP GUN performers ( Swiss Air Force/SAAF/IAF/RAF) has shown me they the most HUMBLE, INCONSPICUOUS, HIGHLY TALENTED, DRIVEN, people I have ever had the pleasure to interact with. RESPECT....thank you for what you do....

[@americasnavy]

Thank you!

[@johnphillips4788]

I worked on the Midway flight deck for 2 1/2 years. Worked with a lot of pilots a lot of plain captains lot of officers but, my job was to get them off the deck safely, as fast as possible. That's what it was all about all day. We did what we did and what they did well served the purpose and I think God for all the people I work with thank you

[@USNveteran]

I worked at PAX during the late 70's & into the 80's. There was one place I worked where we had a guy who was a F-14 driver, Test Pilot School graduate, Fighter weapons school graduate. He was the complete opposite of what they portrayed in that movie, then again with his credentials he didn't have to prove anything to anyone. FLY NAVY!!!

[@Lexusfordd]

Honestly being in the Air Force I just learned so much in the video. It’s honestly amazing!

[@simonburns1799]

The humility, the professionalism, everything is deliberate. We are fortunate to be protected by these flyers.

[@chris_777_]

I'll be heading to pilot training for the Air Force next year in hopes of flying fighters. Been dreaming of this since I was 5. Cant believe i'm this close.

[@americasnavy]

You got this 💪

[@goldenbuddha3280]

Good luck 😃

[@claudiack1286]

Good luck, how did you go?

[@jamesallen74]

I never realized a Vice Admiral will still get up in the air. @2:26, VADM Dewolfe Miller III

[@lezacantu2886]

Benefits of being THE Air Boss.

[@scotthielen]

It's standard, putting the boss's name on the #1 aircraft in a Navy squadron. Since the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (of which TOPGUN is a part) reports directly to the Commander of Naval Air Forces (VADM Miller,) his name's on the #1 jet. It doesn't mean he flies the jet; very possible he's visited (Fallon, NV) and had a ride, but also very difficult for someone at his level (due to schedule and duties) to be current and qualified to take a jet out himself. A lot of benefits to being an Admiral, but flight time is unfortunately not one of them.

[@lezacantu2886]

Yes, likely no longer has the time to be fully qualified but the Air Boss does get a lot of ride alongs in all types of aircraft throughout his tenure in that job.

[@SqueekerBud]

I am Air Force not Navy, but even our Generals, up to the CSAF (4 star) will fly at least once every 30 days to retain their currency.

[@vlthompson3]

To maintain their quals all aviators have to log a minimum number of hours.

[@colindixon9916]

I'm a f35 pilot... Every day is living my dreams. 👊🙏🍀

[@americasnavy]

💪💪💪

[@unbekannt1956]

You are in the room with 50 people and there is one F35 pilot. How do you know which guy it is ? He will tell you.... 😄

[@thebronzetoo]

Video Games don't count...

[@chucknorris6640]

Dude that is my dream job congratulations, any tips???

[@colindixon9916]

@@chucknorris6640 study hard and don't b a douche.... Simple really 🙏

[@reijiminato8762]

Just scored a 65 on the Army's SIFT (Pilot Selection) test. Will put in my application for the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program next year. If not Naval Aviator, then Army Aviator. Maybe, I'll still visit Fallon for the Seahawk Weapons School (SEAWOLF), instead, someday! Navy, it's been a fun ride, even though I'm not headed into the path as Jet Pilot (from an enlisted F/A-18 Hornet Electrician) anymore. But, it's time to move on and transition from Navy Blue to Army Green!

[@meekthegreek1623]

Good luck in finding your path , developing your skills, and doing your best. Like in Chariots of Fire "When I run, I feel God's pleasure".

[@javiperez5227]

I love aviation, my dreams but this real story needs a continuation.. Thanks so much for posting and thanks for this brave men and women who defend this nation..

[@apollion1]

One of the saddest moments in my life was when I was 17 and talked to a recruiter and he told me I was to tall to fly….. now I’m a chef.

[@mothanajaradat2923]

How tall are you

[@apollion1]

6’5”. I don’t know what the height restrictions are now but back then it was 6’2 he told me.

[@celestialblue2146]

Just watched Top Gun Mav (haven't watched the first one at all) and I was blown away by the movie. It's a 10/10 for me... but I didn't know that Top Gun was real

[@jamesalexander3547]

Watch the original

[@arasilky]

The original Top Gun is more corny and not very PC as it was made in the '80s but worth a watch for sure.

[@axzoar4275]

I hope to be a naval aviator one day like these guys

[@ar4ye]

TopGun: Maverick brought me here.

[@RS4KING]

These guys are bad ass. Thank you all for your service!

[@mikeking7381]

When I’ve watched the blue angels or any aircraft as far as that goes ive always wandered what the persons like that’s flying that machine this video shows that 👍🇺🇸

[@ikeriascott7946]

“Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever.”❤️

[@Pushingbuuttons]

shut up good lord

[@matthewtenorioduenas202]

Don't proselytize here please

[@khamisi__6378]

@@matthewtenorioduenas202 Impressive vocab. Had to google that one

[@dianapenagos6675]

Congrats to all the respectful air combatants of the US NAVY. The best of the best.

[@pierlouis7325]

Coordinates in the sky.

[@Alans63]

This is awesome! It shows the “humanity” & “humility” of Naval Aviators who have been given the privilege of teaching other Naval & Marine Aviators how to better their skills.

[@321fightson]

Great episode @America's Navy. Even though I live in Australia, I am privileged to know a few past Topgun instructors & US Navy pilots (and Tomcat RIOs) and their dedication & professionalism is second to none ( well, the RAAF might give them a good run for their money ;-) ) You SHOULD celebrate them because they do an amazing job!

[@superfleapilot7484]

One of the things that drove me nuts after the first Top Gun movie Came out was all the phony flight jackets with that Top Gun patch on it. Sure, good recruiting ad I suppose. I even had a well meaning family member buy me one as a gift. Had to explain to them why I never wore it. I Couldn’t wear it. It’s not like wearing your favorite quarterback’s jersey I explained. That patch is EARNED.

[@IMAX]

Salute to you men. That's all I wanted to be growing up on HAFB pre Hurricane Andrew. But I was born too soon with eye sight that required glasses. The closest I will ever get is a VR Game or FPV Drones. Please enjoy this time while it lasts. 🙏🏿✌🏿🖖🏿

[@Dangerclose1]

You can still be an Aviator with glasses...just gotta be correctable to 20/20

[@tallboywitshortpants]

I just got my vision corrected with PRK/LASIK. You should look into it.

[@IMAX]

@@Dangerclose1 Civilian pilot. With or without glasses yes. I'm a 45 years old. Too late for fighter pilot.

[@stablegenius4059]

Being a Fighter Pilot or Astronaut is the coolest thing ever. If one asked me would I like to be a President or Fighter Pilot, I would choose Fighter Pilot any day. But only few people make it there.

[@aSAMr27]

I wonder what it feels like to sit in one of these airplanes going at this speed and fly certain maneuvers but I'm also pretty sure I'd feel dizzy and sick soon enough haha. I admire aviation and this is a great video! :)

[@prestonbuker574]

Been trying for two years to picked up for SNA. Hope this year will be my year.

[@sethanderson5060]

Best of Luck!

[@Sweetboystuff]

Good luck! Hope to see you in the fleet!

[@samuellema9222]

I’ll be applying next year, best of luck!

[@tailhookmd2546]

Good luck. I’m interested to know, if you’ll share, are you already commissioned and trying for a spot or are you trying to get into OCS? I’m asking because both my son and daughter are interested and I’m wondering what the climate is. I know it ebbs and flows based on “Needs of the Navy”

[@strawberry777laney]

Seth Anderson lltlltll lltltly

[@jeffries1232]

Well i do feel a bit jealous ,i am not smart enough to be a fighter pilot , but i am capable of tough work and hours no doubt .I have always loved aircraft the most of anything since i could walk .its looks exhilarating to have your office space way up there above the clouds . Wow what a career , i do envy these guys for their commitment and skills . Thanks for the doco

[@prorobo]

At 33, I'm not getting a waiver to be a fighter pilot. Biggest regret of my life.

[@blackknight597]

Dreamed as a kid to be a fighter pilot. Sadly don’t have 20/20 vision...:(

[@jackpot9090]

@@blackknight597 You dont need 20/20 vision my man, you can go get waivers and get operations done to fix it to 20/20, dont ever lose hope, just go out there and get it done.

[@mattg5978]

Well at least make up for it in other areas of your life. Don't make being a fighter pilot the end all and be all in your mind.

[@prorobo]

Matt G I became an airline pilot, which would've been the plan after separation from the service.

[@tailhookmd2546]

robo931 Have you tried the ANG? Lots of boards happening now including F35s for the VT guard. I know they go into the early 30s. Look at the F15 units too like CA and OR. If you have a great resume and a pilots license you never know.

[@Minutemman]

*May we respect the brave and honor the fallen* *these people are nothing more than regular people but yet we see them as amazing men and women and may we continue too*

[@WontSeeReplies]

The A4, F-16, and MiG 29 all kinds of sexy. The acrobatics of the MiG/SU are insane.

[@Richyw0278]

There are no Maverick and Gooses in Navy Aviation but there are so many Charlie Sheens in the Seal Teams

[@Zatracenec]

Just wow. What a beautiful little documentary. Amazing footage, well chosen music and just really pleasant to watch. Love it.

[@FedericoMucio-um7vp]

God speed thanks for your service Capt Central out ❤

[@jefflevoir6127]

A true group of HEROES. 🇺🇸👍

[@markyriarte5275]

Much respect to you guys! Truly amazing!

[@romeo16668]

Few of the best people in the world is in this video!!!

[@QTPatriot]

You’re living my dream. God Bless you all! 🙏

[@josephburnham4621]

You guys are awesome. Keep up the great work. Retired MSgt USAF Burnham crew chief

[@americasnavy]

💪💪💪

[@kandacepatterson7965]

Thank you for your service, chief. Thats one imlortant job as well!🫡

[@ledrod2307]

7:44 can see one of the F-18 SH used in the film TOPGUN 'Maverick.'

[@michaelwoods4495]

When the subject comes up I have to tell people that in over 20 years as a Marine flyer I never met anyone like the movie characters.

[@MilitaryNootropics]

Great film. About great guys.

[@TheDecapitatedApple]

How did they record the sounds of those footsteps up the step ladder

[@americasnavy]

By using very sensitive production microphones 🎤

[@KimFusedFPV]

Such an awesome, life full filling dream and goal for these guys! Was my dream from little on, even wrote in my "baby" book that I wanted to be a Top Gun Pilot when I was young. Didn't happen but at least I am able to live out that dream in my FPV goggles flying drones! Salute to all you pilots out there!

[@calebgreenlee8056]

Did anyone else catch the movie prop in the background @7:43 cool stuff man!

[@_ChrisTooFast]

Wow this just screams badass!!! I can’t wait to see Top Gun: Maverick!

[@Riverplacedad1]

Fallon is a far different from San Diego but it’s the perfect place to practice tactics. We attack guys always knew that

[@turcenoarthurjamil4364]

these are the best fighter pilots in the world

[@americasnavy]

HOOYAH!

[@turcenoarthurjamil4364]

Hooyah USA! I am your fan from the Philippines♥️🇵🇭

[@ScienceAppliedForGood]

Most of Apollo program lunar module commanders were naval aviators.

[@kmmediafactory]

Yep, the first man in space, first man in the moon, even modern mission commanders are naval aviators

[@itsJoshua1986]

We shall fight heroic be something we never thought we could bring the navy seals up.Keep trying to achieve what you want don’t give up till you get there.My duty is to serve the US with honor.Don’t give up just try until you win.I hope you pass your training..If you want to do something do it.

[@von_2846]

I was German Super Hornet pilot jet fighter for 19yrs and this is my final yrs with Airforce,gonna retire really soon.. Greeting from : Lt.col Von Schlaus

[@toddie4usa1]

Germany DOES NOT fly FA 18s they fly Tornados. If you are going to lie this us the WRONG page to do it on fakeass!

[@patriciovazquezgarcia1703]

Surely there are dozens or hundreds of pilots in the world better than them. But as A TEAM, they may be the strongest in the world.

[@PepperBuddyRosie12]

Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸 🙏 ❤

[@mediabias7915]

Lol...this is like the anti top-gun movie. 😂😂😂 Much love and respect to these warriors tho.

[@marieprovencio7073]

Magnificent!!!! Simply amazing!!!

[@phiromdoyle131]

So cool.

[@Ariel_Templar2004]

Just the American's pilot's can go to the top gun or the pilots around the world too?

[@americasnavy]

Hi there, only the top one percent of naval aviation pilots can attend.

[@Ariel_Templar2004]

@@americasnavy ok, thanks for answer me. Good work.

[@americasnavy]

✈️✈️✈️

[@alexlighting29]

7:44 is that maverick or just a paint scheme?

[@cron1165]

The one guy in this looks almost identical to the one pilot in Top Gun Maverick, is it him or am I crazy?

[@jimihendrixx11]

Coyote?

[@hestoncjr.3560]

Rooster, Goose's son, I noticed it too. I think they put a pilot there that looks simular on purpose. Still tho, that's amazing.

[@minnae.1747]

Impressive film making!

[@americasnavy]

HOOYAH!!!

[@vukasnerma4126]

Nice job

[@ElevateResumeDesign]

So inspiring

[@americasnavy]

HOOYAH ⚓️

[@branstark3557]

Maverick

[@JM_Smith1]

I loved this video!

[@americasnavy]

Glad you liked it ✈

[@Ayiooyuh]

Im excited for top gun maverick

[@SK-oy8iu]

Did u also saw the maverick jet at 7:43

[@Ayiooyuh]

S K ya

[@cianperry6152]

maverick's f18 at 7:44?

[@dylanelmore7674]

Cant wait to join

[@itzevent4516]

Can everyone in the comments stop writing it Top Gun, thats false, I know the movie does that, but its actually TOPGUN. One word, all-caps. Like the title of the vid

[@MikeDamazo]

Would be interested to do share my story, let me know.

[@ThePhoenixCAPT97]

In my years of flying for the Navy, I have never seen the Navy make Admirals fly.

[@oswaldscully]

Lt. Kyle "Washjob" Haith salute CYTA 😎

[@kingmegatron7974]

I am planning to become a naval aviator soon. I hope to get sent to Top Gun.

[@princealbertdumaran9569]

Just wondering...how will they actually do against a stealth plane?

[@Aiophgy]

They won’t go up against them, that’s the F-35c’s job to escort and protect

[@Aiophgy]

Also J-20 and Su-57 are trash

[@gahcacookie370]

Cool I want to join when I'm big

[@dislikebutton4961]

Don’t die

[@fear5008]

I really want to be a fighter pilot in the navy. But i worried i wont be selected

[@americasnavy]

You got this! ⚓️

[@Tim_3100]

Upmost respect for these pilots

[@MrSomethingdark]

The Mass Effect music tho!

[@mikenewman6678]

So you have to be an officer to become a naval aviator? Because a lot of the pilots I’ve seen have the ranks of an officer

[@Meirele]

Wonderful!

[@thedarkknight803able]

Big Salute !😎👍🏿

[@americasnavy]

💪💪💪

[@jprepperfarmer]

Good job

[@OCMOOO]

What I like to know is how the US military deals with the potentially thousands people who want to be a pilot, let alone Top Gun Do these people have good aptitudes for other roles?

[@lexmatthewtheurbanavenger8538]

Where do I sign

[@aidilamiin]

probably the navy !

[@brianhood8827]

Amazing ! No place Woke or CRT in our military that’s for freaking sure ! God Bless AMERICA

[@andreaskollmuss]

A good and nice video.