The nation’s top defense official got a firsthand taste of high-speed flight this week — right here in northern Nevada.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth paid a visit to Naval Air Station Fallon Sunday, home of the Navy’s elite TOPGUN program. In a video posted to his X account, Hegseth shouted the fighter pilot catchphrase “TURN AND BURN!” while previewing his flight experience, teasing that an extended version — complete with cockpit footage — is coming soon.
According to The Washington Post, Hegseth joined Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine for a demonstration flight inside an F-16 in honor of the Navy’s 250th birthday, which was celebrated on October 13.
NAS Fallon, located about an hour east of Reno, serves as the Navy’s premier air-to-air and air-to-ground training center — famously featured in the “Top Gun” movies.
While few details were released about the visit, Hegseth’s post sparked plenty of excitement among service members and fans alike, celebrating both the milestone anniversary and a rare behind-the-scenes look at life inside TOPGUN.
News 4-Fox 11 has reached out to NAS Fallon for more information on Hegseth’s visit.