Phil MacNaughton was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 2000. After his commission, Phil MacNaughton attended flight school and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2002, ultimately serving for 21 years in the U.S. Navy in a combination of active duty and reserve. In 2006, Phil was assigned to the Office of Legislative Affairs in Washington, DC and served as a Liaison Officer for the House of Representatives. In 2009, Phil joined the House Armed Services Committee as a Professional Staff Member where he served in a variety of roles including the staff lead for the Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee, Full Committee Policy Director and Acquisition Policy Lead. Phil was one of the chief architects of the landmark Acquisition Reform Legislation that was enacted into law as part of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). While serving on the House Armed Services Committee, Phil was intimately involved in the drafting and ultimate passage into law of 17 NDAAs.
Phil is the co-Policy Director for the Congressionally mandated Future of the Navy Commission. 
He lives with his wife and three children in Alexandria, Virginia.