Bumper Video Clip from Top Gun Maverick
More than 30 years after graduating from Top Gun, United States Navy Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is a test pilot. Despite many achievements, repeated insubordination has kept him from flag rank; Rear Admiral Chester “Hammer” Cain plans to cancel Maverick’s hypersonic “Darkstar” scramjet program in favor of funding drones. While attempting to save the program, Maverick destroys the prototype when he cannot resist pushing beyond Mach 10. Iceman again saves Maverick’s career by assigning him to the Top Gun school at NAS North Island for his next assignment, but Cain tells Maverick that the era of crewed fighter aircraft will soon be over.
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” —2nd Timothy 2.1-2
Top Gun Clip:
The Navy has been tasked with destroying an unsanctioned uranium enrichment plant, located in an underground bunker at the end of a canyon, before it becomes operational. It is heavily defended, making this mission incredibly dangerous. Maverick devises a plan employing two pairs of Super Hornets armed with laser-guided bombs. Maverick is then informed that instead of participating in the strike, he is tasked with training an elite group of Top Gun graduates.
Top Gun Clip:
The graduates of Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School gather in anticipation to meet their instructor, only to be stunned when Maverick himself walks in. The room falls into silence as the students come to terms with the fact that they will be learning from a living legend. Maverick confirms their suspicions, and a mixture of surprise and excitement fills the air as the students realize the unique opportunity they have been given.
“Join with me in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” —2nd Timothy 2.3-4
Top Gun Clip:
During training, a team of the elite pilots commit a critical error that could prove fatal in a real mission. Maverick, recognizing the gravity of the mistake, becomes stern and relentless in his efforts to emphasize the significance of avoiding any errors. Meanwhile, Maverick seeks solace and guidance from Ice Man, expressing his lack of confidence in his role as an instructor. He doubts his own ability to effectively teach the graduates and ensure their safe return.
“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s Word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” —Hebrews 5.11-12
Top Gun Clip:
Maverick walks through phase two of the mission, which consists of flying up a mountain, flipping over to stay as close to the mountain as possible. Then, using a laser bullseye, the team will release two bombs into the 3 meter wide nuclear plant entry point. The teams must withstand extreme forces on their aircraft to avoid collision with the mountain. Upon clearing the mountain, they face the daunting task of outrunning enemy fire. Many members of the team express doubt and question the feasibility of this particular phase of the mission.
“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s Word is not chained.” —2nd Timothy 2.8-9
Top Gun Clip:
Maverick flies the lead jet, while Rooster leads the second strike pair. The four jets launch from an aircraft carrier. While the jets navigate through a canyon, tomahawk cruise missiles destroy the nearby air base. The teams successfully destroy the plant, but the SAMs open fire during their escape, as anticipated. Rooster runs out of countermeasures, and Maverick sacrifices his plane to protect him.
“I have NO GREATER JOY than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” —3rd John 1.4
Top Gun Clip:
Maverick and Rooster make a daring return to the aircraft carrier, skillfully piloting a commandeered enemy plane despite its missing front landing gear. The entire ship celebrates their safe and unexpected return. Rooster and Maverick share an embrace as Maverick thanks Rooster for saving his life. Rooster responds “It’s what my dad would have done.”
“And let US run with perseverance the race marked out for US,” —Hebrews 12.1b