CAPT McDaniel enlisted in 1994 from Cincinnati, Ohio. He earned his commission in 2004 from Hampton University, majoring in Electrical Engineering and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2007. He is a 2025 graduate of the Naval Nuclear Power program and holds a master’s degree from University of San Diego Business School in Global Leadership.

At sea, he joined the “Warlords” of HSL-51, as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces Japan for his initial sea tour. During his tour, he completed multiple deployments with Carrier Air Wing 5 aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), USS GEORGEWASHINGTON (CVN 73), and also numerous operations aboard USS SHILOH (CG 67), USS MCCAMPBELL (DDG 85), and USS MUSTIN (DDG 89). His second operational sea assignment as a department head was with HSM-75, the “Wolf Pack,” deployed aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) with CVW-11 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He also served as detachment Officer-in-Charge aboard USS PRINCETON (CG 59). CAPT McDaniel served as the Executive and Commanding Officer of HSM-73, the “Battle Cats,” deploying with CVW-17 aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The squadron was awarded the Battle Efficiency, the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety awards, and the Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for surface and anti-surface warfare.
 
 Ashore, he served with HSM-41, the “Seahawks,” as a fleet replacement squadron instructor, flying the MH-60R; as Flag Aide to the Commander, U.S. THIRD Fleet; and as Deputy Executive Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander, U.S. European Command in Mons, Belgium. His previous job was Executive Secretary for the (78th) Secretary of the Navy.

CAPT McDaniel assumed the role as the Executive Officer of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in November 2025.
 
 He has accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours in the MH-60R and SH-60B. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 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.