Watch Top Gun: Maverick Soar Through Washington Filming Locations

Indian Ocean, Present Day

I'll always remember where the original Top Gun kicks off. Stationed aboard the USS Enterprise, two United States Navy F-14A Tomcats are patrolling the skies for enemy aircraft and vessels. Cougar, Merlin, Maverick, and Goose encounter an enemy aircraft and the ensuing skirmish kicks off the events of the movie.

"Just a walk in the park, Kazansky."

The original Top Gun left such an impression on me. Originally released in 1986, I wouldn't be born for six more years, yet Top Gun became my favorite movie - unsurpassed until perhaps now. Top Gun was one of the first VHS tapes to be affordable for the average family at home. Remember when a tape cost nearly $90?

"You're not going to be happy unless you're going Mach 2 with your hair on fire."

I've been obsessed with Top Gun for the last 26 years. Most of my early childhood memories are somehow connected to this movie. It sounds a bit silly, but it's the truth. Every year the Tri-City Water Follies takes place, I blast the Top Gun soundtrack on my turntable as the jets fly over my house.

"I think I'll go embarrass myself with Goose."

You can only imagine how I reacted when I saw the first trailer for Top Gun: Maverick. It was like I was living in a perfect dream. My childhood was being validated. Maverick was back and the Danger Zone wasn't far away anymore. In between sessions of sobbing with joy, I watched the trailer over and over again. Nearly three years of waiting are finally over, my brother and I are going to Top Gun: Maverick tonight.

"I'm gonna hit the brakes, he'll fly right by."

The original Top Gun, when the crew was not aboard an aircraft carrier, was exclusively shot in California, primarily in San Diego. I have a friend from San Diego and I showed him Top Gun for the first time in his life last month. He kept pointing out locations and saying, "Hey, I know that place!" He's also watching Top Gun: Maverick with me this weekend.

For those of us from Washington, you'll be pleased to know that there are some filming locations for Top Gun: Maverick right here in the Evergreen State. Filming officially wrapped for Top Gun: Maverick at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor. I've spent a great deal of time in Oak Harbor, and it's lovely. If you're ever in the Whidbey Island neighborhood, definitely visit Oak Harbor, Port Angeles, and Anacortes. The crew also set up shop in Seattle. We will have to watch the film to see just how much the locations are used in the final product.

Top Gun: Maverick is in theaters now.