Fights On!

In March of 1969, the U.S. Navy stood up a training group at Naval Air Station Miramar near San Diego. Navy Fighter pilot, Dan Pedersen was selected to create an educational program and with a limited cadre of instructors in a small school trailer. The mission of the fledgling course was to teach and hone the skills of aerial dogfighting to fighter pilots from the fleet. Thus begun what we know today as TOPGUN! The story of TOPGUN burst on the scene via the Hollywood movie in 1986 and since it’s humble beginning’s, the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, (TOPGUN) has become known as producing the finest combat aircrews in the world.

I was extremely honored to have been contacted in 2019 by the 50th Anniversary Graduating Class and commissioned to create this painting as their class gift to the school. The mission I was given was to create a painting that would capture the primary jet aircraft that have served at TOPGUN from 1969 to the present day.

After the completion of the work, I was again honored by the class and invited to attend their graduation ceremony. While there, the Class and I unveiled and presented the painting to the Commander and staff of TOPGUN. If you visit the Naval Fighter Weapons School you will see the large painting just inside the entrance to the school.

Here is a toast to the finest Fighter Pilots and Crew’s in the world.………. “Fights On!”

“Fights On!” is available as a signed, Limited-Edition print on archival paper and a larger, signed, Artist Masterwork on canvas.