Lieutenant Brooks McNeal is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and commissioned as an Ensign into the United States Navy through the school's Naval ROTC program.
LT McNeal's first assignment was to USS CHAFEE (DDG 90) homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He assumed the role as the ship's Communications Officer in November 2019, and would go on to be the Communications Warfare Area Lead during the ship’s training cycle and follow-on SEVENTH FLEET deployment with CARRIER STRIKE GROUP ONE, where he was responsible for managing the ship’s satellite communications network. CHAFEE's areas of operations ranged from the South China Sea to the Sea of Japan, promoting freedom of navigation in the INDOPACOM AOR.
LT McNeal detached from CHAFEE in December 2021 and reported to Surface Warfare Schools Command in Newport, RI to complete the Advanced Division Officer Course and Surface Navigator Course.
In May 2022, LT McNeal reported to the USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58) homeported in Norfolk, Virginia and assumed the role as the ship's Navigator. As Navigator, he was the Commanding Officer's direct representative charged with the safe navigation of the ship during 60 restricted waters transits and 12 contested strait transits. He ultimately certified the ship in the Navigation Warfare Area and was subsequently named CARRIER STRIKE GROUP TWO’s 2023 Ship-Handler of the Year. LT McNeal’s tour culminated in PHILIPPINE SEA’s SIXTH & FIFTH FLEET deployment, which included combat operations in the Red Sea in support of OPERATIONS PROSPERITY GUARDIAN and POSEIDON ARCHER.
In August 2024, LT McNeal reported to the University of Oklahoma’s Naval ROTC unit and serves as an Assistant Professor of Naval Science and Freshman Class Advisor. He currently teaches Naval Operations & Seamanship in the Fall and Navigation in the Spring.
His personal decorations include the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and other unit and personal awards.
He currently resides in Norman, Oklahoma with his wife and son.
