Born and raised in Jackson, MS, CAPT McNeal earned his commission in 1997 through the NROTC unit at Southern University and A&M College. His early career as a Surface Warfare Officer included assignments aboard USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44) as Communications Officer and USS CARON (DD 970) as Navigator. In 2001, he transitioned to the Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) community, subsequently earning a Master of Science in Applied Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School.

His EDO career began at SWRMC San Diego as a Project Officer and Business Officer for various maintenance availabilities. He then transitioned to new ship construction on the Gulf Coast, serving as Production Officer for USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) and leading the delivery of USS INDEPENDENCE (LCS 2) for SUPSHIP Bath. Following a 2011 IA tour in Djibouti as Operations Officer for CJTF-HOA, he served in key acquisition roles, including Deputy Technical Director for PMS 377, Director for Surface Combatants for DASN SHIPS, and Deputy Major Program Manager for the FFG(X) Program.

CAPT McNeal has completed two command tours: Commanding Officer of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, and Program Manager for the Amphibious Warfare Program Office (PMS 377). Most recently, he served as Executive Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (RD&A) through January 2026. He is currently the Acting Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Auxiliary Platforms. He resides in Montgomery County, MD, with his wife, Dr. Carla D. Morris, and their son, Carter.