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Commander McDaniel is a native of Louisville, Kentucky. In July 1992, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman Recruit and completed basic training in Orlando, Florida and then reported aboard USS ALAMOGORDO (ARDM 2) homeported in Charleston, South Carolina where she struck as a Yeoman (YN).
In 1994, she reported aboard USS EMORY S. LAND (AS 39) as Command Master Chief’s YN supporting a crew of 1,300 personnel and was advanced to Petty Officer Third Class. Due to an overmanned YN rating, she was forced converted to be a Cryptologic Technician Administrator. She reported to Atlantic Intelligence Command in 1997 where she was assigned to the Special Security Office (SSO) and was advanced to Petty Officer Second Class. In 2000, she reported aboard USS BATAAN (LHD 5) as an Assistant SSO and Operations Department YN, deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (9/11), qualified Enlisted Surface and Aviation Warfare Specialist, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Saint Leo’s University. In 2002, she reported to Supreme Allied Command Transformation as Intelligence Branch Leading Petty Officer, and advanced to First Class Petty Officer.
In 2005, she reported to Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force where she advanced to Chief Petty Officer and selected for Administration Limited Duty Officer (LDO). Upon completion of LDO/CWO School in Newport, Rhode Island, she reported to Strike-Fighter Squadron THREE SEVEN (VFA 37) where she served as Administrative Department Head supporting a crew of 220 personnel and completed a successful 8-month deployment aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75).
In 2009, she reported to Assault Craft Unit FOUR as Administrative Officer (AO) for six divisions supporting 780 personnel. In 2012, she reported to USS IWO JIMA (LHD 7) as Executive Department Head for six divisions supporting a crew of 1,200 personnel where she completed a successful Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf deployment, and qualified Surface Warfare Officer. CDR McDaniel reported to Personnel Support Detachment Little Creek-Fort Story in January 2014, where she served as Officer-in-Charge managing 98 government and contractor personnel supporting over 9,000 customers in 334 UICs across seven geographical areas.
In 2017, CDR McDaniel reported to Commander, Carrier Strike Group FOUR as N1 Assistant Chief of Staff and Flag Secretary orchestrating the embarkation and debarkation of the staff during Exercise BOLD ALLIGATOR aboard USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24), and composite training unit exercises for CVN 75, USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3), LHD 7, and multiple independent deploying units. In 2019, she reported to U.S. Fleet Forces Command as Staff AO and Executive Officer (XO) of 180 enlisted personnel and earned a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from Liberty University. In June 2022, CDR McDaniel transferred to U.S. SECOND Fleet as Staff XO, Flag Secretary, and N1. In January 2025, CDR McDaniel served as Executive Department Head and AO aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) during a challenging Refueling and Complex Overhaul period where she received the Straight and Furrow Leadership Award and led the Personnel Division to recognition as the #1 of 12 aircraft carriers in pay timeliness while achieving the best Field Examination Group inspection results in a decade. In May 2026, CDR McDaniel assumed command of the Navy & Marine Corps Appellate Leave Activity at the Washington Navy Yard.
CDR McDaniel’s personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy & Marine Commendation Medal (six awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various other campaign and unit awards.
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