A native of Concord, Massachusetts, Commander O’Neil graduated from The College of the Holy Cross in 2009, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. CDR O’Neil was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training. He earned his Naval Aviator wings in NAS Kingsville, TX in February 2012. CDR O’Neil reported to the VFA-106 “Gladiators” for initial fleet training in the F/A-18C Hornet.

CDR O’Neil began his operational flying in May 2013 with the “Blue Blasters” of VFA-34.  While a “Blue Blaster”, he made two deployments. One aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) supporting RIMPAC 2014 and one aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73) for its homeport change to Norfolk, VA supporting SOUTHERN SEAS 2015.

CDR O’Neil reported to the “Vikings” of VAQ-129, the EA-18G Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), as an Instructor Pilot.  Following transition training to the EA-18G, CDR O’Neil served as an Instructor Pilot for 3 years helping to produce Navy, Air Force, and Royal Australian Air Force replacement aircrews in the EA-18G. 

He returned to the fleet as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces as the Strike Operations Officer assigned to team “BADMAN” of Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) stationed in MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.  While in CVW-5 he deployed twice to the INDOPACIFIC onboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

CDR O’Neil departed CVW-5 and moved to NAS Lemoore for his Department Head tour with the “Stingers” of VFA-113.  While with the “Stingers”, he completed a WESTPAC deployment aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70).  He held the jobs of Maintenance and Operations Officer.  

Following his department head tour, CDR O’Neil served as an action officer, Joint Staff, J-6 Directorate.  While on the Joint Staff, he directly supported the Joint Requirements Oversight Council for tactical communications and data links.  CDR O’Neil was recognized as the Joint Staff J-6 Action Officer of the year in 2023.  He selected for squadron command in March 2023 and is scheduled to report to VFA-192 as the Executive Officer.

CDR O’Neil has accumulated over 1,800 flight hours primarily in the  F/A-18 A-F Hornet / Super Hornet and EA-18 Growler aircraft and over 250 carrier arrested landings.  His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.