In 1986, San Diego, Oceanside, NAS Miramar, the former Naval Training Center, Kansas City Barbecue and aviator glasses took off into stardom with the theatrical release of Top Gun!
Even though the movie was released on 16 May, today, 13 May, is Top Gun Day! So leave work a little early today, put on your aviator sunglasses, play some beach volleyball, have some ribs at Kansas City Barbecue (which still has the jukebox), and then head over to the nearest bar to order a Hemlock.
For those of you who remember the famous cottage of Maverick’s love interest, Charlie, here is a short video about its long history in Oceanside. Too bad the motorcycle is no longer parked outside.
After you enjoy the day, you should fly on down to the San Diego Air & Space Museum, USS Midway Museum, or the Flying Leatherneck Museum for some aviation history (because 1986 was a long long time ago!).