Roy first flew as a stunt pilot in Hikaru Ichijyo's father's air circus until joining the U.N. Forces as a fighter pilot. Despite his long absence during the U.N. Wars and the death of Hikaru's father, Hikaru still remained close and considered him his sempai.

After the end of that war, he involved himself in the VF-X development project (the predecessor to the VF-1 Valkyrie), and led the first U.N. variable fighter unit. His experience earned him the command of the VF-1 Skull Squadron aboard the CVS-101 Prometheus.
He is (in)famous for his love of alcohol and women.

(Source: macross.anime.net)