Rick Hunter, born in 1990, was steeped in aviation heritage from childhood as the son of barnstorming showrunner “Pops” Hunter. Dominating amateur flying competitions, he clinched championships for eight consecutive years before touring globally with his father’s Flying Circus. His skills were further refined under the mentorship of adoptive brother Roy Fokker, a military pilot who departed during the Global War, leaving Rick to carve his own path as a celebrated show pilot. In 2009, Rick’s life veered abruptly into conflict during the SDF-1’s launch on Macross Island. Thrust into piloting a Veritech Valkyrie during a Zentraedi ambush, he rescued pop sensation Lynn Minmei, sparking a turbulent romance. Reluctantly enlisting in the Robotech Defense Force under Roy’s command, Rick’s resolve hardened after his brother’s death in combat, inheriting leadership of Skull Squadron and Roy’s legendary Skull-One Veritech. He spearheaded pivotal missions, from the Battle of Saturn’s Rings to repelling Khyron’s relentless offensives. As the First Robotech War escalated, Rick transitioned from a hesitant officer to a decisive strategist, orchestrating Earth’s counterattack during the cataclysmic Rain of Death. His personal loyalties wavered between Minmei and Lieutenant Commander Lisa Hayes, ultimately shifting toward a steadfast bond with Lisa. Post-war, he aided Earth’s reconstruction, clashing with Zentraedi holdouts like Khyron and Zeraal alongside allies Max Sterling and Breetai. Promoted to Vice Admiral, Rick married Lisa and joined the SDF-3 Pioneer Expedition to confront the Robotech Masters. This campaign entangled him in skirmishes against the Invid Regent, diverting forces from Earth’s defense during the Second Robotech War. By 2021, stationed aboard the unfinished SDF-3, he battled rogue Zentraedi in the Crystal War and later joined the Sentinels’ crusade against Invid domination—a choice that left Earth exposed to the Regess’s invasion. Notable milestones included proposing to Lisa amid the 2015 Malcontent Uprising and retiring Roy’s Veritech, marking his evolution from ace pilot to seasoned commander. His tactical prowess shone during the Zeraal Campaign and Granite City interventions. In 2016, Rick and Lisa vanished after the SDF-3 lost contact with Earth, their ultimate fate shrouded in mystery.