Rear Adm. Max Clark is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was commissioned in 1992 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the United States Naval Academy. He earned his Wings of Gold in November 1994. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and is a graduate of the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program.

As a Naval aviator, Clark flew SH-60F and HH-60H helicopters. His operational flying assignments were with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 15 (HS-15) “Red Lions”, Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9), HS-8 “Eightballers”, and as executive officer/commanding officer of HS-11 “Dragonslayers.” He served as executive officer of USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75), commanding officer of USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), commanding officer of USS Nimitz (CVN 68), and commander, Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN (CSG-11).

Ashore, Clark served as Operational Test Director at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VX-1), qualifying in the SH-60B and MH-60S aircraft. He was assigned to the staff of U.S. Joint Forces Command as a Washington DC and Congressional Liaison Officer and completed tours at Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN as the Helicopter Commander Detailer and Deputy Director for Aviation Officer Distribution and at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Air Warfare Division, N98. His flag officer assignment ashore was as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, Joint Force Command Naples.

Clark assumed current duties as Chief of Staff, HQ KFOR in June 2025.

He is entitled to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal and several other personal, unit and campaign awards. He has accumulated over 3,700 flight hours.

Last Updated: 22 August 2025