Executive Officer
Cmdr. Amanda "Duchess" McNally

Cmdr. Amanda “Duchess” McNally is a native of Weeki Wachee, Florida, and graduated from the University of South Florida in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences.  She earned her wings as a naval aviator in January 2011.

Upon completion of initial fleet replacement squadron (FRS) training, she reported to the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, where she completed operational deployments to the 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility with the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and the USS George Washington (CVN 73) and CVW-5.  She spent two years forward deployed in Japan and deployed extensively throughout Southeast Asia, including Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief operations in the Philippines. 

From October 2014 through June 2017, she was assigned to the “Fleet Angels” of HSC-2, the East Coast FRS, where she served as an MH-60S flight instructor.  In June 2017, she reported to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 as the Flag Aide, where she was responsible for the coordination and execution of daily flag engagements, including Defense Support to Civil Authorities following Hurricane Irma, Fleet Week New York, and several multi-national exercises.  In October 2019, she reported to the “Nightdippers” of HSC-5 as a department head and served as the Safety Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Detachment Officer in Charge.   

In January 2022, she was assigned to the Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate of the Joint Staff, where she served as the desk officer for Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and Israel. While on the Joint Staff, she directly supported the Israel-Gaza conflict and the Deputy Director for Middle East and Africa as the Executive Assistant. As of June 2024, Cmdr. McNally has assumed the role and responsibilities of Executive Officer of HSC-7.

She is authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Individual Action Air Medal, and other personal, unit, and service awards.