She holds a master's degree in Systems Technology (Space Systems Operations) from the Naval Postgraduate School (1991) and a master's degree in Military Studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College (1998).

During her early assignments, Herbert served within the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System at Naval Facility Bermuda; at commander, Oceanographic Systems Atlantic; and at Naval Ocean Processing Facility, Dam Neck, Virginia.

Additional shore assignments include satellite communications officer at Headquarters, U.S.

Fleet assignments include combat systems officer embarked in USS George Washington (CVN-73) where she deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom; and assistant chief of staff for Communications and Information Systems (N6) to commander, Carrier Strike Group 7 embarked in USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) where she deployed to the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf with Ronald Reagan Strike Group.

This article incorporates public domain material from US Navy Biographies - REAR ADMIRAL GRETCHEN S. HERBERT.