by Katherine Murphy / Albanylocal.org

Albany International Airport in Albany, New York had a surprise visit from a daring individual today. Despite air traffic control advising that the pattern was full, the individual, inspired by the movie "Top Gun," decided to buzz the tower. Today is #NationalTopGunDay, a special day to celebrate the iconic movie released on May 13, 1986, starring Tom Cruise as naval aviator Pete "Maverick" Mitchell.

"Top Gun" was based on a real school called U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School or TOPGUN, originally located at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego. Established in the late 1960s to improve air combat tactics after the Vietnam War, TOPGUN was later moved to Fallon, Nevada in 1996 and renamed the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor. The Navy used the movie release as a recruiting tool, setting up booths outside theaters to attract potential recruits. Surprisingly, 90% of Navy applicants at the time had seen the movie, showing its impact as a recruitment tool.

Original Information Source: Albany International Airport

Source Type: Gov

Source Location: Albany

Original Information Source Link: Click Here

Albany, NY

Albany, NY

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