On 25 July 1967 the Clansmen took part in their first combat operations during the Vietnam War flying from the USS '' Forrestal '' in Yankee Station . A few days later on July 29 , while aircraft were being prepared for the second launch of the day against targets in North Vietnam , a fire broke out on the flight deck of the '' Forrestal '' . Flames engulfed the fantail and spread below decks , touching off bombs and ammunition . Heroic efforts by VA-46 personnel , along with other members of Carrier Air Wing 17 and ship 's company , brought the fires under control . Damage to the carrier and aircraft was severe , and the casualty count included 134 dead and 62 injured . The squadron lost seven A-4E Skyhawks during the fire . At the epicenter of the fire that day was squadron member and then Lieutenant Commander John McCain . He escaped from his burning jet and was trying to help another pilot escape when a bomb exploded ; he was struck in the legs and chest by fragments
fire broke out
1967 USS Forrestal fire
VA-46 (U.S. Navy)