Joseph Bert Mahoney, a former United States Navy serviceman, served as a Petty Officer Second Class AE-2 from 1964 to 1968. A resident of Waterford, New York, Mahoney completed three combat tours during the Vietnam War.
Mahoney began his active duty on April 7, 1964. He specialized in aircraft maintenance as an Aircraft Electrical Inspector after training in Great Lakes, Illinois and Jacksonville, Florida. He was assigned to VA-163 aboard the USS Oriskany from May 1965 until his discharge in January 1968.
The USS Oriskany faced significant challenges during its Vietnam deployments, losing 71 aircraft and 79 service members. In October 1966, while Mahoney was aboard, the carrier suffered a fire that resulted in the deaths of 44 sailors.
Mahoney supported then-Lieutenant Commander John McCain when McCain was shot down over North Vietnam. For his service, Mahoney received several commendations: the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Navy Unit Commendation Medal with one Bronze Star, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device.
His education included training at the U.S. Navy Aviation Electrician Mates School and various technical schools. He also attended Hudson Valley Community College for Electrical Technology and SUNY Albany for Fire Service Management.
After military service, Mahoney worked at GE Silicone Products for 32 years before retiring as a Project Engineer/Electrical Instrumentation Supervisor. Since moving to Waterford in 1968, he has been actively involved in community services including roles within the Waterford Fire Department and serving as Mayor since 1998.
Mahoney is also Past Commander of the Waterford Memorial Post 5800 VFW and is affiliated with several local organizations such as American Legion Post 235 and Cohoes/Waterford Elks.
He has been married to Margie “Mike” Mahoney for 57 years; they have two sons and five grandchildren.
