US Naval Aviator LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell and his Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) LTJG Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, stationed in the Indian Ocean aboard the USS Enterprise, fly the F-14A Tomcat. During an interception with two hostile MiG-28s (portrayed by USN F-5s), Maverick missile-locks on one, while the other hostile locks onto Maverick's wingman, Cougar. Maverick drives it off, but Cougar is so shaken, Maverick defies orders and shepherds him back to the carrier. Cougar gives up his wings, citing his newborn child that he has never seen. Maverick and Goose are sent in Cougar's place by CAG "Stinger" to attend TOPGUN, the Naval Fighter Weapons School at Naval Air Station Miramar.
