Max Kirchofer of Cocoa Beach Graduates From U.S. Naval Academy, Selected For Pilot Training

By  //  May 6, 2016

took unique path to U.S. Naval Academy

Max F. Kirchofer of Cocoa Beach will graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy on May 27 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. (Image for Space Coast Daily)
Max F. Kirchofer of Cocoa Beach will graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy on May 27 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. (Image for Space Coast Daily)

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – Max F. Kirchofer of Cocoa Beach will graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy this month with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.

Kirchofer attended Suntree Elementary School and Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School and his father is a chiropractic physician in Cocoa Beach.

Kirchofer has been selected to train as a Navy Pilot and will report to Pensacola, Florida after graduation.

While at the U.S. Naval Academy, Kirchofer distinguished himself as a walk-on athlete for Men’s Heavyweight Crew, rowing both bow and stroke positions against the most prestigious Rowing Teams in the country.

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Kirchofer took a unique path to the U.S. Naval Academy. After a year of college, he enlisted in the Navy Nuclear Power program and achieved the rate of e4, Petty Officer, third class, when he was recognized for outstanding academic performance and leadership while in Nuclear Power School.

He received his appointment to the Naval Academy directly from The Secretary of the Navy. Annually, only a select group of 40-100 enlisted sailors and marines are given U.S. Naval Academy appointments in this manner.

A view looking east of the Naval Academy with Fort Severn in the background - Between 1860 and 1880.
Founded in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy is located in Annapolis, MD. Above is a view looking east of the Naval Academy with Fort Severn in the background between 1860 and 1880. (U.S. Naval Academy image)

Founded in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy is located in Annapolis, MD. The Navy’s prestigious degree program requires all students to study additional science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Each year the Brigade of Midshipmen admits approximately 1,200 men and women as freshman or “Plebes.” The selection process of receiving an appointment begins with applying for a nomination from your local senator, congressman or the vice president of the United States.

The academy’s more than 81,000 alumni include one president (Jimmy Carter, Class of 1947), 21 members of Congress, five governors, 73 Medal of Honor recipients, two Nobel Prize winners, 52 astronauts, and 4,000 admirals and generals.

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