A native of Schenectady, New York, Senior Chief Herschel enlisted in the Navy in September 1997. After completing technical training, his early assignments included Naval Security Group Activities Sugar Grove, West Virginia, and Groton, Connecticut.
In October 2004, he began an eight-year tour at Navy Information Operations Command Hawaii. While there, he qualified Submarines aboard the USS HELENA, earned his Information Warfare qualification, and was selected for Chief Petty Officer in September 2012. Following this, he held significant leadership roles at the Navy Information Operations Detachment Groton, Information Warfare Training Site Hawaii, and Cryptologic Warfare Activity SIXTY-SEVEN.
In September 2021, Senior Chief Herschel returned to Navy Information Operations Detachment Groton, where he currently serves as the Electronic Material Officer and Department Leading Chief Petty Officer.
His awards include the 2022 Award for Cryptologic Support Excellence, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. He earned his bachelor’s degree in management studies in 2023. He is married to his wife Allison, and they have three children, Ethan (23), Xavier (16) and Amelia (12).