I woulda figured that went for both the Navy *and* Air Force pilots. ;)
On a more general note, and more seriously, I suspect the plot will be “aging pilot Capt. (O-6) Maverick faces a generation of fighter jocks that now rely heavily on computers to do most of the flying, as well as an increasing use of drones that can (ostensibly) outfly any aircraft with an onboard human pilot, as well as aircraft that get more complex all the time. He has to maintain his intimidating image as the “Viper” of his generation, as well as showing his students and his superiors that there is still value in being able to fly without the gadgets, and that humans can still outfly drones, because otherwise he loses his post, and either gets kicked upstairs into a Desk Admiral job, or retires”.
What will be really interesting to see, is whether they play it as a comeback story where Maverick shows them, shows them all and “wins” a battle against a drone/gen-5 fighter due to his abilities, thus proving that human old-school skill still reigns supreme, or will it be a tragedy where he ends up outclassed despite demonstrating awesome skill, and has to accept fading off into the sunset, still a legend but now decisively overshadowed.
As cliche as Hollywood is, you’ve probably nailed the plot. You only missed the female pilot who tries to fit in, and has to prove that she’s just as worthy a pilot as the guys.