Major William A. Mahoney is a native of Augusta, Georgia. He commissioned in 2008 following graduation from The University of Georgia. He received his Naval Aviator designation in 2012 and was selected to fly the AV-8B Harrier. After initial training in the Harrier at MCAS Cherry Point, Captain Mahoney reported to the Great American Bulldogs of VMA-223.
Captain Mahoney's time with the Bulldogs was highlighted with two deployments with the 22nd and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as well as several Deployments for Training (DFT). While with the Bulldogs, Captain Mahoney worked in multiple different billets to include Logistics Officer, Scheduling Officer, Powerline, Seat Shot, and Airframes Officer. Captain Mahoney earned his Section Leader qualification during this first tour with the Bulldogs.
Captain Mahoney was selected for and attended resident Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) from 2016 - 2017.
Captain Mahoney graduated from EWS in May of 2017 and reported back to the Great American Bulldogs of VMA-223. Captain Mahoney attended Aviation Safety Officers school in May of 2018 and upon completion assumed the duties of squadron ASO. Major Mahoney was promoted in October 2018. The Bulldogs deployed to Bahrain in October 2018 ISO Operation Inherent Resolve. The Bulldogs returned in 2019 and Maj Mahoney assumed the billet of Operations Officer. Major Mahoney served as the Operations Officer until September of 2020.
Major Mahoney moved to Beaufort, SC in September of 2020 and joined VMFAT-502 during their initial stand-up as the second F-35B Fleet Replacement Squadron. During his time serving in 502, Maj Mahoney would be responsible for tracking the progress of the squadron stand-up as well as qualification as an F-35B pilot, division lead, and FRS instructor pilot. Major Mahoney succesfully moved the squadron from MCAS Beaufort, SC to MCAS Miramar, CA during December of 2021. Upon completion of the move, Major Mahoney moved over to VMFAT-501.
During his time at VMFAT-501, Major Mahoney assisted in the planning and execution of multiple DFT's to JRB New Orleans and NAS Key West, FL. Major Mahoney would remain at VMFAT-501 until September of 2023.
In September 2023, Major Mahoney reported in as VMFA -533, Squadron Executive Officer where he currently serves.
Major Mahoney's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight Numeral 6), Air Medal (Individual Action). Major Mahoney holds a Bachelors degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Georgia.