Hailey
The National Museum of Transportation (TNMOT) in Kirkwood, Missouri, hosted an exclusive evening with CAPT Kevin “Proton” McLaughlin, USN (Ret.)—former Commander of TOPGUN and technical advisor to Top Gun: Maverick—on October 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
The program delivered a rare, first-person look at elite naval aviation, training culture at TOPGUN, and the filmmaking details that made the blockbuster feel real to pilots and fans alike.
Why this event stood out
The headliner combined combat-proven aviation expertise with Hollywood authenticity.
As TOPGUN’s former commander and a hands-on advisor to Top Gun: Maverick, McLaughlin explained how real-world tactics, safety protocols, and mission planning informed the movie’s aerial sequences.
He also spoke about coordinating a historic large-scale ceremonial flyover—giving attendees unmatched context on leadership, logistics, and fly-by-wire precision.
Crucially, the talk aligned with TNMOT’s fall celebration of the 30th anniversary of the F/A-18 “E1” Super Hornet’s first flight—a milestone with deep St. Louis roots and a proud place in the museum’s growing aviation story.
Event snapshot (at a glance)
| Detail | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Headliner | CAPT Kevin “Proton” McLaughlin, USN (Ret.) — former TOPGUN Commander; technical advisor to Top Gun: Maverick |
| Date & Time | October 15, 2025 • 7:00 p.m. |
| Venue | National Museum of Transportation (TNMOT), 2933 Barrett Station Rd., Kirkwood, MO |
| Ticketing | $30, advance reservations required (limited seating) |
| Series Context | Part of TNMOT’s F/A-18 E1 30th Anniversary fall events |
| Format | Insider talk: TOPGUN training, aviation leadership, and behind-the-scenes of Top Gun: Maverick |
How the program fit TNMOT’s aviation focus
Although known for world-class rail and roadway collections, TNMOT is increasingly curating aviation experiences that connect STEM learning with real aircraft history.
The F/A-18 E1 commemoration brought family-friendly activities, a pilot panel, and this high-demand instructor session into one thematic series—drawing students, veterans, engineers, and film buffs to the museum.
For attendees, the learning payoff was practical: insights into crew resource management, situational awareness, and mission debriefs—the same fundamentals that underpin safe flight and complex production shoots.
By showing how training discipline translates from the squadron to the screen, the event doubled as a masterclass in authentic storytelling.
Planning a future visit
- Arrive early to explore exhibits (including the Super Hornet story) and get seating.
- Book in advance: special aviation programs and speaker series often sell out quickly.
- Support the mission: memberships and donations help TNMOT expand STEM-forward programming and preserve significant transportation artifacts.
The Museum of Transportation’s Top Gun evening struck the perfect balance between aerospace rigor and cinematic excitement.
With CAPT “Proton” McLaughlin unpacking the realities of TOPGUN training and movie advising, guests walked away with a deeper grasp of flight operations, team leadership, and the engineering excellence behind the F/A-18 Super Hornet legacy—proving that serious aviation education can be as captivating as a box-office hit