SECNAV Del Toro presents Tom Cruise with the Distinguished Public Service Award > United States Navy > View press releases

LONDON – Today, Tom Cruise, the U.S. Navy’s 36th Honorary Naval Aviator and a staunch advocate for the U.S. Navy, was honored with the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award for his commitment to the Navy. His efforts in the film industry have increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make in uniform. He was also recognized for his outstanding service to the Navy and Marine Corps. The DPS Award, presented by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, is the highest honor the Secretary can bestow on a civilian outside the Department of the Navy.

“It was an honor to present Tom Cruise with a Defense Service Award for his decades of commitment to the Navy in many films,” said Secretary Del Toro. “His work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps.”

Cruise made diverse contributions to the Department of the Navy from 1986 to 2023. He was a steadfast supporter of the men, women and families of the Navy and Marine Corps for nearly four decades. His dedicated efforts in the film industry have greatly increased public awareness and appreciation of the Navy personnel and their sacrifices. As a result, Marine pilot recruitment increased sharply in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“I am pleased that I have been able to be a source of inspiration to many of the Sailors who are serving today or have served in the past,” Cruise said. “The effort was not just mine, but also the cast and crew I get to work with on all of our sets. They’re the ones who really bring the work to life.”

“Top Gun: Maverick” sparked nostalgia among older audiences and piqued younger viewers’ interest in the capabilities and opportunities the Navy offers. The success of this display led to Cruise being named the 36th Honorary Naval Aviator of the U.S. Navy.