Rear Admiral Barrett assumed the duties of Chief of Systems at United States Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C. in February 1996 following his assignment as Chief, Officer of Engineering, Logistics and Development. He was promoted to Flag Rank in June 1994.
A Poughkeepsie, New York native, he graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1966 and served as a deck watch officer aboard Coast Guard Cutter McCulloch in Wilmington, North Carolina. Following completion of Naval Flight Training, Pensacola, Florida and earning his "wings" in 1968, Rear Admiral Barrett served at several operational Coast Guard Air Stations including Astoria, Oregon, Traverse City, Michigan, Barbers Point, Hawaii, Miami, Florida, and at the Coast Guard Aircraft Repair and Supply Center (ARSC) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He has served in Coast Guard Headquarters on two pervious occasions, most recently as Chief, Aeronautical Engineering Division from 1988 to 1990. He returned to ARSC as Commanding Officer from 1990 to 1993 then served as Chief of Operations, Atlantic Area, Governors Island, New York.
Rear Admiral Barrett earned a Master of Science Degree in Industrial Administration in 1975 from the Krannert School of Management, Purdue University and graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, at the National Defense University in 1988. His awards include the Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal.
Rear Admiral Barrett is married to the former Anne Stokley of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. They have three daughters: Wendy, Jennifer, and Julie.