Lieutenant Commander Max McCoy is a native of Orlando, Florida, and graduated from
Oviedo High School in 1987. He attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated in
1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography.
Max reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for aviation indoctrination in
January 1992. He completed primary flight training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, and
transferred to NAS Meridian, Mississippi, for intermediate and advanced flight training. He
received his wings of gold in July 1994.
From Meridian, Max reported to the “Rough Riders” of Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA
125) at NAS Lemoore, California, for training in the F/A-18 Hornet. In August 1995, he reported
to the "Vigilantes" of VFA 151 and deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV
64). While attached to the "Vigilantes," Max completed a six-month western Pacific deployment
and flew several missions in support of Operation Southern Watch. During his tour with VFA 151,
Max served as legal officer, avionics officer, quality assurance officer, training officer, assistant
operations officer and landing signal officer.
Max reported to the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), at NAS Fallon, Nevada,
in October 1998 for training. Upon graduating in December 1998, he was designated a strike
fighter tactics instructor and reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific at NAS Lemoore,
California.
Max joined the Blue Angels for his first tour in September 2000 flying the left wing and
slot positions in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Max then reported to the “Knighthawks” of VFA
136 at NAS Oceana, Virginia. He served as the safety, operations and maintenance officer
during his department head tour with the “Knighthawks.” The “Knighthawks” deployed aboard
USS George Washington and conducted numerous missions in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
Max rejoined the Blue Angels in February 2005. He has accumulated more than 3,100
flight hours and 374 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Meritorious Service
Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy
and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal and unit awards.
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