Max joined the UN Spacy aboard the SDF-1 Macross during Space War I. His first combat role was with Skull Squadron's Vermillion Team, under the leadership of the newly promoted Hikaru Ichijo. Despite his quiet demeanor, Max quickly became recognized for his exceptional combat skills. He played a crucial role in aiding his comrades' escape from a Zentradi ship following a failed reconnaissance mission that resulted in their capture.
Max's reputation reached the ears of Milia Fallyna, a female Zentradi ace pilot. Craving a challenge, Milia attacked the Macross to draw Max into a dogfight. Although Milia initially had the upper hand, Max managed to damage her Queadluun Rau power armor and force her retreat.
Later, Max met Milia in an arcade on the Macross. Unaware of her identity, he challenged her to a Valkyrie simulator game. Max won and secured a "date" with Milia. However, the date took an unexpected turn when Milia attacked him with a knife. Max defeated her again, leading Milia to realize her feelings for him were love. They soon married, becoming the first human-Zentradi couple.
Max continued to excel as a team leader throughout the remainder of Space War I. After the war, he stayed with Skull Squadron based in Macross City. During this time, he and Milia had their first daughter, Komilia.
Max's career advanced, and he was eventually given command of the Macross 7 colony fleet. Onboard were his youngest daughter Mylene and his now estranged wife Milia. The fleet faced attacks from the mysterious Protodeviln. Fortunately, Max had already initiated a program to explore the use of music in combat against potential Zentradi threats. It turned out that Sound Energy was the Protodeviln's only weakness. Max expanded this program, forming Sound Force, which included Basara Nekki and other members of Fire Bomber, along with Mylene despite his initial reservations.
Towards the end of the conflict, Max led a daring raid against the Protodeviln's home base. Though the team suffered heavy losses, Max survived. Around this time, Mylene's efforts and the events of the Protodeviln conflict began to bring Max and Milia closer again. They fought side by side in the final battle against the Protodeviln.
