Back at the Naval Academy as head football coach, Berrien also served as an instructor of ordnance and gunnery.[6] From March 1911 to June 1914, he served as the first commanding officer of the destroyer USS Trippe.[7] From April to May 1914, Trippe conducted patrol operations in support of the occupation of Veracruz. In 1917, Berrien graduated from the Naval War College. During World War I, he commanded the destroyers Nicholson and Wilkes. Just before the Armistice, Berrien served as commanding officer of the hospital ship USS Comfort during her voyage from New York City to Brest, France.[3]
From 1934 to 1935, Berrien was assigned to the hydrographic yard in Boston, Massachusetts.[10] He retired from active duty on June 30, 1935 and was advanced to rear admiral on the retired list based on his service record.[13] From March to July 1942, he was the only member of the Naval Academy Class of 1900 who returned to active duty during World War II. He was assigned to the 12th Naval District, where he supervised troop convoys between San Francisco, California and Australia.[3][10]
In addition to his Distinguished Service Medal, Berrien was made a companion of the Order of St Michael and St George by the United Kingdom for his World War I service and a commander of the Order of the Saviour by Greece.[3][14] He died at his home in New Haven, Connecticut at the age of 73.[10]