NASA Astronaut and former SEAL completes Navy Flight Training

Lt. Cmdr. Jonny Kim, NASA astronaut and former Navy SEAL, earned his “Wings of Gold” during a winging ceremony, Friday, March 24, onboard Naval Air Station Whiting Field. Kim, alongside 22 new aviators in his winging class, completed advanced helicopter training resulting in his designation as a Naval Aviator.

The families of the newly designated Naval Aviators were in attendance to congratulate and “pin” the wings onto the uniform of their loved ones. Kim was pinned by his wife while his three children watched from close by.

After graduating on the “Commodore’s List” with distinction, Kim is now a “dual designator,” meaning he is one of a rare group of individuals who is simultaneously designated (qualified) as both a Navy flight surgeon and Naval Aviator as part of the Aeromedical Dual Designator Program.

Kim’s career is unique and may lead some to wonder how he ended up in a rural region of west Florida pursuing advance naval helicopter training after many years undergoing the rigorous challenges and requirements of the Navy SEAL Teams, the Harvard School of Medicine, and NASA. For Kim, his desire to be impactful and make a difference began in childhood.

“Growing up, I never thought about joining the military, but like a lot of young kids, I dreamt of being a hero and making a positive difference in the world. However, I didn't believe in myself or have the confidence I needed to impact the world in the way I wanted to," said Kim. “Then, at 16, I discovered the SEAL teams and the warrior spirit the teams cultivate. I thought maybe becoming a SEAL could change me to become the strong warrior I desperately wanted to be.”

In 2002, Kim enlisted in the Navy and sought out the most direct path to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training.