Minnesota Navy League Council Welcomes 'Top Gun'

The Minnesota Navy League Council has filed a special flight plan to celebrate the soon-to-be-released sequel to a military aviation cinematic classic.

"Top Gun: Behind the Curtain" lands Wednesday, June 1, at the U.S Air Force Joint Base Fort Snelling, 760 Military Highway, Minneapolis. The event starts at 4:30 p.m.

Veteran U.S. Navy pilots, active-duty Navy F/A-18 and F-35 fighter pilots, and Top Gun graduates will share their stories prior to a close-up jet viewing and social hour that will showcase both aircraft. Snacks and beverages will be provided at the base. The paid admission event also includes an evening IMAX screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" at CMX Odyssey in Burnsville. After the movie, active-duty U.S. Navy Fighter pilots will give event participants the real scoop on the reality of military flying compared to the Hollywood version they've just seen.

Many people are not aware that "Top Gun," the 1986 film made famous by Hollywood, is only one of numerous advanced weapons schools in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. military. Event participants will hear the background of Top Gun and how it compares to the other lesser known but equally potent training programs.

This is a limited engagement and tickets will go quickly, so register early. "Top Gun: Behind the Curtain" takes place on a secured U.S. Air Force Reserve Base. All event participants must be U.S. citizens and be vetted to gain base access. You must be registered by May 23.

Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/topgun-behind-the-curtain-tickets-335414272117 to register. Tickets: Adults $50/Students $20.

Event participants are responsible for transportation to the base and the CMX Odyssey theater in Burnsville. For additional updates, visit http://www.navyleaguemn.org.

The Minnesota Navy League Council is a nonprofit civilian organization that supports the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard. Through national and local programs, the Navy League of the United States provides a voice to educate the public and Congress on the importance of Sea Services to the nation's defense.