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Tom Cruise Call Sign In Top Gun

Tom Cruise In Top Gun

Top Gun is a classic 1986 film that follows the journey of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise, as he attends the United States Navy's Weapons School. One of the most memorable aspects of the film is the call sign given to Maverick and his partner, Nick "Goose" Bradshaw. Maverick's call sign, in particular, has become an iconic part of American pop culture.

What is a Call Sign?

Call Sign In Air Force

Before we dive into Maverick's call sign specifically, it's important to understand what a call sign is in general. A call sign is a unique identifier given to individuals or groups in the military, aviation, and other industries. These identifiers are typically used for communication purposes and can be a combination of letters and numbers.

In the military, call signs are often given based on an individual's job or performance in training. They can also be chosen by the individual themselves, but must be approved by their superiors. Call signs can be a way for individuals to build camaraderie and boost morale, and they often have a story or meaning behind them.

How Did Maverick Get His Call Sign?

Top Gun Movie

In the film Top Gun, Maverick's call sign is revealed to be a result of an incident during his time at the Naval Fighter Weapons School. During a training exercise, Maverick's jet passes through the jet wash of another plane, causing him to spin out of control and with Goose as his RIO (Radar Intercept Officer), they had to eject out of the plane.

After the incident, Maverick is called into a meeting with his commanding officer, who questions his abilities as a pilot. Maverick explains that he is an exceptional pilot but takes risks in order to achieve his objectives. His commanding officer, wanting to instill some humility in Maverick, tells him the story of Maverick's father, a former Navy pilot who died during a top-secret mission.

The commanding officer continues to explain that, during the mission, Maverick's father chose to complete his objective rather than abort the mission and save his own life. This selfless act caused him to earn the call sign "Merlin."

After hearing this story, Maverick is given the call sign "Maverick," as a way to remind him to think about his actions and their consequences.

The Legacy of Maverick's Call Sign

Tom Cruise In Top Gun 2

Maverick's call sign has become a symbol of both his character and the film Top Gun. Fans of the movie often refer to themselves as "Mavericks" and many military pilots have adopted the name as well.

In 2021, the sequel to Top Gun, titled Top Gun: Maverick, is set to be released. The film will once again follow Maverick, now a flight instructor, as he trains a new generation of pilots. Tom Cruise will reprise his role as Maverick and fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the film and the return of the iconic call sign.

Conclusion

Maverick's call sign is more than just a name in a movie; it has become a cultural phenomenon. The story behind the call sign reminds us to think about our actions and their consequences, and the legacy of the call sign serves as a tribute to the film Top Gun and the character of Maverick.

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