Max joined the UN Spacy aboard the SDF-1 Macross during the events of Space War I. His first combat assignment was to Skull Squadron's Vermillion Team, under the newly promoted Hikaru Ichijo. Max quickly distinguished himself in combat, which came as a surprise to those around him due to his quiet personality.
After earning a reputation for his skill, word of Max finds its way to female Zentradi ace Milia Fallyna. Seeking a challenge, Milia attacks the Macross to draw Max out and engages him in a dogfight. Eventually, Max is able to damage Milia's Queadluun Rau power armor and drive her off.
As a team leader, Max continued to distinguish himself for the remainder of Space War I. In its aftermath, he continued to serve in Skull Squadron, based out of Macross City.
