What does it take to become a naval aviator? For Captain Juston Kuch, Former Commander of Naval Air Station Meridian, the answer begins with curiosity, discipline, and a lifelong love of aviation. In the upcoming National Geographic series Top Guns: The Next Generation, Kuch offers viewers an inside look at the rigorous training that prepares student pilots to carry on the proud tradition of Naval Aviation.
I sat down with Captain Kuch to explore his own journey, the importance of STEM education, the realities behind the Top Gun films, and the enduring values of mentorship and resilience that define the aviator community.
Falling in Love with Aviation
Kuch’s passion began at a young age, when a massive wallpaper of the Space Shuttle Columbia landing covered his bedroom wall. Watching shuttle launches in school, including the Challenger disaster, cemented his fascination with flight. That early interest pushed him toward math, science, and engineering.
“I fell in love with aviation and pursued math, science, and physics,” Kuch recalls. “Ultimately, I went off to college to become an engineer. I’m right there with the dorks, I’m with you.”
Why STEM Matters for Aspiring Aviators
When asked what advice he would give to high school students in aviation programs, Kuch emphasized the importance of STEM but also noted the diversity of backgrounds among aviators.
“You can have any background to become an aviator. There are English majors, history majors, and everything in between,” he said. “That said, the highest percentage comes from a STEM background. Everything starts with math, it’s the cornerstone for STEM and for processing the information we deal with in the aircraft.”
Training Then and Now
Kuch first trained at Meridian more than two decades ago before returning as Commander. While the students’ determination remains the same, the tools have evolved.
“The mentality and the culture are still the same,” he explained. “But the training devices are better, like simulators with mixed reality headsets that track where students are looking and how they process information. It’s something we never had 24 years ago.”
Standards and Stress Management
Naval Aviation demands the highest standards. Kuch stresses that it’s not about making training easier but about developing syllabi to help students reach uncompromising benchmarks.
To manage stress, Kuch points to preparation and a practice called “chair flying,” mentally rehearsing missions step by step. “As that fire hose of data and information comes at you at 400 miles an hour, you know the handful of key pieces of information to focus on,” he said.
The Reality Behind Top Gun
Hollywood has brought Naval Aviation into the spotlight, and Kuch acknowledges both the strengths and omissions of the films.
“The spirit of Naval Aviation, dedication to mission and figuring out a way to get the job done, is alive and well in the movies,” Kuch said. “What’s not highlighted is the years of hard work and preparation required before you ever get to those moments.”
Mentorship, Empathy, and Diverse Journeys
Now on the other side of the podium, Kuch sees his role as equal parts instructor and mentor.
“As you become incredibly proficient at something, you forget what it was like to not know how to do the basics,” he said. “Empathy is key, realizing we were all clueless once and remembering how our mentors helped us grow.”
That perspective extends to students from nontraditional paths, like Top Guns trainee Steph Harris, who entered aviation later in life after running a yoga business in New York City. “She brought maturity, crushed the program, and was one of the top performers in her class,” Kuch said proudly.
Looking Ahead
Whether through advanced technology, evolving training methods, or the diverse personalities of its students, Naval Aviation continues to uphold a culture of excellence. For Captain Kuch, that culture is rooted in resilience, discipline, and a relentless desire to improve.
As Top Guns: The Next Generation premieres, audiences will see firsthand what it takes to transform bright-eyed students into the next generation of aviators ready to carry the Navy into the future. Top Guns: The Next Generation is out tomorrow, September 16, 2025.
