Twin Cities Event Features Aircraft, U.S. Navy Pilots

The Minnesota Navy League Council acted early when filing a special flight plan to celebrate the long-awaited sequel to a military aviation cinematic classic.

"Top Gun: Behind the Curtain" landed Wednesday, June 1, at the U.S Air Force Joint Base Fort Snelling, 760 Military Highway, Minneapolis.

Veteran U.S. Navy pilots, active-duty Navy F/A-18 and F-35 fighter pilots, and Top Gun graduates shared stories prior to a close-up viewing showcasing both aircraft. The paid admission event also included an evening IMAX screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" at CMX Odyssey in Burnsville, which was filled to capacity.

After the movie, which premiered nationwide May 27, active-duty U.S. Navy Fighter pilots visited with participants, giving them the real scoop on the reality of military flying compared to the Hollywood version they had just seen on the extra big screen.

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 heard the background of Top Gun and how it compares to the other lesser known but equally potent training programs.

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