A native of the Pittsburgh suburb of Butler, Pennsylvania, Greenert attended Butler Catholic School and Butler Senior High School. He graduated from the United States. Naval Academy in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering and completed studies in nuclear power for service as a submarine officer
He previously served as the 36th Vice Chief of Naval Operations from August 13, 2009, to August 22, 2011. Prior to that, he served as Commander, United States. Fleet Forces Command from September 29, 2007, to July 29, 2009, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources from September 2006 to September 2007 and Commander, United States. Seventh Fleet from August 2004 to September 2006. He retired from the Navy after over 40 years of service.
His career as a submariner included assignments onboard United States Ship Flying Fish as Electrical Material Officer, United States Ship Tautog as Electrical/Operations Officer, and Submarine NR-1 as Engineer Officer.
He served as Executive Officer of United States Ship Michigan"s Gold Crew before taking command of United States Ship Honolulu in March 1991. Following his command at sea, Greenert served as Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, and Commander, Submarine Forces Pacific (COMSUBPAC) Representative West Coast from July 1996 to June 1997.
Flag assignments During his tour in Japan, he was selected to flag rank and subsequently served as Commander, United States. Pacific Command, representative to Micronesia/Commander, United States. Naval Forces, Marianas, from October 1998 through December 1999. On August 6, 2004, Greenert assumed command of United States. Seventh Fleet.
Greenert"s shore assignments include tours as COMSUBPAC Staff Fire Control Officer, Program Analyst for Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group and Head, Navy Program Planning and Development Branch for the Chief of Naval Operations Staff in Washington, District of Columbia On September 23, 2011, Greenert became the 30th Chief of Naval Operations, succeeding Admiral Gary Roughead.
