Captain Clarence E. Mackey, USN
Captain Mackey was born in Blythefille, Arkansas on March 6, 1922. He graduated from High School in Clarksdale, Mississippi, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy on August 31, 1940. A "Mustang," he attained the rank of Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd class before entering flight training, where he won his wings and a Commission as Ensign on July 1, 1943.
Captain Mackey served a previous tour of duty aboard the USS Salisbury Sound as Executive Officer, from January, 1964, through October, 1964. He returned to the Sally as Commanding Officer from his tour of duty as Chief of Staff for Commander, Patrol Force Seventh Fleet. Previous tours of duty include the Bureau of Naval Personnel and Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron 21.
Change of Command Ceremony
Captain Clarence E. Mackey, USN, (right) assumed command of the USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13) from Captain Earnest R. Horrell, USN (left) on 7 March, 1966 while the 14,500 ton seaplane tender was operating seaplanes out of Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam.
It was the first time a United States man-o'-war changed Captains in Vietnam.