Guys,
Those who've seen Top Gun: Maverick may think that Maverick chose Rooster solely due to nepotism; they think that Mav chose Rooster because he's the son of his former RIO and dear friend, Goose. I disagree; I submit that there are sound reasons why Maverick chose Rooster for the final mission. One, Rooster was a team player. Two, Rooster was the only pilot who'd even gotten into position to shoot down Maverick. Finally,Rooster was the only pilot to reach the target during training. We'll examine these points in more detail now.
Rooster was the consummate team player; he always did what was in the best interest of the mission, not himself. For example, at 1:18 during this clip from their mission training, we see Rooster insert himself between Maverick and his wingman; he saves Payback and Fanboy. Rooster draws Maverick into chasing him, not his mates. This willingness to sacrifice himself for others would help save Maverick's life later in the film.
Secondly, Rooster was the only pilot who'd even gotten into position to shoot down Maverick. During the scene, you can hear Hangman excitedly telling Rooster to take the shot. Granted, he didn't finish the deal; he hesitated and allowed Maverick to turn tables and kill him; but he got closer than anyone else did during training.
Starting at 4:20 in a move that harks back to the original Top Gun, Maverick momentarily flies inverted above Rooster. At that point, they do scissors all the way down until Maverick blinks first and pulls out of the dive. Rooster pulled out, got behind him, and was set up for the shot. Once Rooster got behind Maverick, we can hear Hangman excitedly saying, "Come on, Rooster, you got him; drop down and TAKE the shot!" However, Rooster hesitated, and he lost. However, he was the only pilot out of all the trainees to even get that close.
Finally, during the practice bombing runs, Rooster was the only one of the group to even reach the target. Granted, he was a minute late, but he reached the practice target. Here's the sequence of their practice bombing runs. Rooster's portion begins at 2:35. During the mission debrief, Phoenix reminds Maverick that Rooster was the only one who reached the target, something no one else had managed to do; she says this at 3:04.
Rooster's willingness to sacrifice himself would help save Maverick's life. During the mission, Maverick went to take a SAM for Rooster, as he was out of flares. Maverick was shot down. Rooster went back for Maverick, and he shot down the Mil-24 chopper before it could shoot Maverick. When they later stole the F-14, Rooster was there to help Maverick.
As you can see, Maverick had good, sound reasons for selecting Rooster. He was a good pilot! He needed more confidence in himself, but he was a good pilot. Rooster was a team player; he put the mission and his teammates first. Secondly, he was the only one of the pilots to get close to shooting down Maverick; no one else did. In fact, Maverick made easy work of them during ACM/BFM training. Finally, Rooster was the only one who reached the target during practice, and he'd successfully take it out during the mission itself. SO! As you can see, Maverick had solid reasons for choosing Rooster for the mission. That is to say that Rooster EARNED his spot on the mission!
