Rear Adm. Kenneth W. “Pete” Pettigrew’s Vietnam success made him the only Top Gun instructor to put his training to practical ...

In the 1986 film ‘Top Gun,’ he served as a consultant and made an appearance, although his call sign, “Viper,” was sported by another actor. By the time of his death at age 82 on June 23 ...

Rear Adm. Kenneth W. “Pete” Pettigrew, a Top Gun instructor, served as a consultant on the 1986 film "Top Gun," a scene from which is shown here. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command) ...