Commander Jameel "Faceman" McDaniel

Executive Officer, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73

28 October 2020 CDR McDaniel enlisted in 1994 from Cincinnati, Ohio.  He served as an Electronics Technician at Naval Ocean Processing Facility, Whidbey Island from 1995-1998.  After which, he reported to Newport, RI to attend the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training in 1998.  He earned his commission in 2004 from Hampton University. 

CDR McDaniel was designated a Naval Aviator in 2007 and reported to the “Air Wolves” of HSL-40 at NAS Mayport, FL for initial fleet training in the SH-60B.  His first operational tour was assigned to the “Warlords” of HSL-51 in Atsugi, Japan as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces. 
During his tour he completed deployments with CVW-5 aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), and also numerous operations aboard USS SHILOH (CG 67), USS MCCAMPBELL (DDG 85), and USS MUSTIN (DDG 89).  While forward deployed, he served as the Detachment Maintenance Officer and Quality Assurance Officer.  In 2010, CDR McDaniel joined the “Seahawks” of HSM-41, the west coast Fleet Replacement Squadron for the MH-60R, serving as the Quality Assurance Officer. 

In 2013, CDR McDaniel served as Flag Aide to the Commander, U.S. THIRD Fleet.  CDR McDaniel’s second operational sea assignment began in 2015 as a Department Head with the “Wolf Pack” of HSM-75.  While with the “Wolf Pack”, he completed a deployment aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) with CVW-11, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve flying the MH-60R.  He served as Training Officer, detachment Officer-in-Charge aboard USS PRINCETON (CG 59) and Maintenance Officer.

During CDR McDaniel’s most recent ashore assignment, he served as Deputy Executive Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander, U.S. European Command in Mons, Belgium from 2018-2019.  He selected for operational aviation command in 2018 and is scheduled to report to HSM-73 as Executive Officer in 2020.

CDR McDaniel holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Hampton University and a Master of Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego.

Commander McDaniel’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal and multiple unit and service awards.