Golden Eagles,

It is my sad duty to inform you that Captain William A. Mackey, USN,(Ret.), made his last takeoff on May 4, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He is survived by his wife Elon, and by his three children Bill Jr., Bob, and Sue. A graveside service is planned for 2 PM on May 7th at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held at the North River Yacht Club on May 8th.

Bill "Wam" Mackey joined the Navy and entered flight training in August 1942. He earned his wings in June 1943, and was assigned to VC-69 where he remained until 1945 flying from CVE's in the Atlantic Theater. After a tour with VF-74/VF-1B aboard USS Midway from 1945-48, he again saw combat with VF-51 embarked in USS Essex during the Korean War from 1950-52. It was in VF-51, under the command of CDR Ernie Beauchamp, that Wam served as one of five future Golden Eagles.

After a shore tour, CAPT Mackey commanded VF-114, served as a Bureau of Weapons Representative at McDonnell Aircraft where he became the first Navy pilot to reach 100 hours in the F-4H, and deployed as CAG-9 aboard USS Ranger. He later commanded USS Skagit (AKA-105) and USS Okinawa (LPH-3). Wam completed his naval career with tours as Chief of Staff, Carrier Division FOUR, and Commander Fleet Air Caribbean, retiring in July 1973.

Wam was very proud of his family's long legacy of uninterrupted military service dating back to his great grandfather in the Civil War, and continuing through a grandson who saw action in Iraq as a Marine officer. All three of his siblings served in the Navy.

Captain Mackey was proud of being a Golden Eagle and was an active participant at our reunions. A warm and congenial gentleman with a broad smile for everyone, his close friends agree that he is best described as the consummate Southern Gentleman.

We have lost a shipmate who was awarded aviation combat awards in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He will be missed.

Sadly,

W. A. Gureck, Pilot