7 Top Gun Aircraft Carriers You Need To Know

The iconic movie Top Gun has been a staple of American pop culture for decades, and one of the most memorable aspects of the film is the awe-inspiring aircraft carriers that serve as the backdrop for the movie's high-flying action sequences. In reality, the United States Navy operates a fleet of 12 Nimitz-class and Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers, each with its own unique history and characteristics. Here are 7 Top Gun aircraft carriers you need to know:

The History of Aircraft Carriers in Top Gun

Aircraft carriers have been a crucial part of the United States Navy's arsenal since World War II, providing a mobile airbase that can project power and defend American interests around the world. In the 1986 movie Top Gun, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) played a starring role as the fictional USS Enterprise, the aircraft carrier that served as the home base for the movie's protagonists, Maverick and Goose. Since then, several other aircraft carriers have been featured in various Top Gun movies and TV shows.

7 Top Gun Aircraft Carriers

Here are 7 aircraft carriers that have been featured in Top Gun movies and TV shows:

1. USS Enterprise (CVN-65)

The USS Enterprise (CVN-65) is the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and was commissioned in 1961. The Enterprise was featured prominently in the 1986 movie Top Gun, serving as the fictional USS Enterprise that Maverick and Goose called home. The Enterprise was decommissioned in 2017 after 55 years of service.

2. USS Nimitz (CVN-68)

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is the lead ship of the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and was commissioned in 1975. The Nimitz has been involved in several high-profile deployments, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. The Nimitz was also featured in the 1986 movie Top Gun.

3. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)

The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 1986. The Roosevelt has been involved in several high-profile deployments, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. The Roosevelt was also featured in the 1990s TV show JAG.

4. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)

The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 1989. The Lincoln has been involved in several high-profile deployments, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. The Lincoln was also featured in the 1990s TV show JAG.

5. USS George Washington (CVN-73)

The USS George Washington (CVN-73) is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 1992. The Washington has been involved in several high-profile deployments, including the War in Afghanistan and the War on Terror. The Washington was also featured in the 2000s TV show NCIS.

6. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75)

The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 1998. The Truman has been involved in several high-profile deployments, including the War in Afghanistan and the War on Terror. The Truman was also featured in the 2000s TV show NCIS.

7. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is the lead ship of the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers and was commissioned in 2017. The Ford is the most advanced aircraft carrier in the world, featuring a new electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and a advanced arresting gear (AAG) system.

Aircraft Carriers Image Gallery

We hope you enjoyed this article about the 7 Top Gun aircraft carriers you need to know. Whether you're a fan of the movie or just interested in the history of aircraft carriers, these ships are an important part of American military history. Share your thoughts in the comments below!