What is TOPGUN like today?

More than 50 years after its formation, TOPGUN adheres to the same basic tenet of delivering excellence to the Fleet

TOPGUN’s high-level mission is the same today as it was when it taught its first class in 1969 – take the US Navy’s best tactical aviators, make them better, then return them to the Fleet so the message may be passed on.

NAWDC operates previously embargoed F-16A/B Block 15 OCUs as part of its adversary fleet. US Department of Defense
NAWDC operates previously embargoed F-16A/B Block 15 OCUs as part of its adversary fleet. US Department of Defense

In 1969 the Naval Fighter Weapon’s School (NFWS), stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, California, and known as TOPGUN, delivered its course to F-4 Phantom crews. Today’s NFWS, now department N7 of the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC), stationed at NAS Fallon, Nevada, and known as TOPGUN, delivers the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) course as its primary product. Its graduates wear the same TOPGUN patch first awarded to Class 01-69.

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