During her military career, she earned an additional master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

Andrews joined the Navy in 1983, beginning her career at Naval Station Whiting Field in Florida, where she served as an administrative assistant officer in Training Air Wing 5, and as a Flight Simulator coordinator for Helicopter Training Squadron 8.

Andrews moved from Washington, D.C. to Rhode Island when she was appointed as a Senior Fellow in the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group.

She then served as the director of Total Force Requirements Division, prior to entering what would become her last line of Navy work – recruiting.

She led the FAA's employee programs and policies, corporate development, and compensation until her retirement in January 2022.