CAPT McNealy is a native of Owl’s Head, ME and a 2000 graduate of Maine Maritime Academy.  In 2006, he earned a Master of Business Administration and completed JPME Phase I at the Naval Postgraduate School. In 2014, he completed JPME Phase II.
 
As a surface warfare officer, he deployed around the world.  At sea he served as a division officer aboard USS Rodney M Davis (FFG 60), Engineering Officer aboard USS Mason (DDG 87), Material/Logistics Officer in Destroyer Squadron 22, and Executive Officer aboard USS Kidd (DDG 100).  He commanded USS Kidd from August 2018 through October 2019 and USS Cape St. George (CG 71) from August 2022 through April 2024.

Ashore, he has served the as Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Cyber/C5I on the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Strategic Capabilities Branch Chief in the Directorate for Strategy, Policy, Partnering and Capabilities (EUCOM J5/J8); as an instructor assigned to the Command at Sea Directorate (N75) at the Surface Warfare Officers School Command; as an Action Officer assigned to the Chief of Naval Operations staff to the Director, Fleet Readiness (OPNAV N43); and as the Future Operations Team Leader for United States Africa Command (AFRICOM J35).

CAPT McNealy became the Chief of Staff for Carrier Strike Group THREE on April 8, 2024.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, amongst other service and campaign awards.