Jonny Kim

PO1 Kim

Kim learned about and decided to join the United States Naval Special Warfare Command at age 16, investing his remaining high-school years physically conditioning himself for the rigors of Special Warfare training. Of this decision, Kim said, "Going into the Navy was the best decision I ever made in my life because it completely transformed that scared boy who didn't have any dreams to someone who started to believe in himself."[5]

After enlisting with the United States Navy in 2002 as a seaman recruit, Kim graduated BUD/S class 247 and was assigned to SEAL Team 3 with the rate Special Warfare Operator. He deployed twice to the Middle East and participated in over 100 combat missions as a combat medic, sniper, navigator, and point man. Kim was accepted for commissioning in 2009; when he graduated from USD in 2012 and left the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, Kim entered the Medical Corps.[6] During his tenure with the SEALs, Kim served with PO2s Marc Alan Lee and Michael A. Monsoor.[7]

Kim is a recipient of a Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal (with Combat "V"), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Combat "V"), and Combat Action Ribbon. As of January 2020, he was on active duty[6] with the Navy Reserve at the rank of lieutenant.[7] According to Jocko Willink, Kim's Silver Star was awarded for rescuing multiple wounded Iraqi soldiers in the face of enemy fire.[9]

While studying at Harvard Medical School, Kim met and was inspired by astronaut–physician Scott E. Parazynski to apply for Astronaut Candidacy.[5] Kim was one of over 18,300 applicants.[3]

Astronaut Group 22 with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine (2018)

It was June 2017[10] when Kim was one of twelve people chosen to join NASA Astronaut Group 22.[3] He reported for duty on 21 August 2017,[5] and graduated from training on 10 January 2020. According to NASA, Kim will work in the Astronaut Office while awaiting a flight assignment[6] with the Artemis program.[11]