Commander John W. Walker was born in San Francisco, California. In 1959 he received his commission through the United States Naval Academy.

     During his career, Commander Walker served as the Communications and Combat Information Center Officer on-board USS PHILIP (DDE-498) until 1962 when he was assigned to the commissioning crew of USS HOEL (DDG-13) as the Communications Officer. A year later he was assigned to the staff of the Test and Evaluation Detachment at Key West, Florida. In 1965 he reported aboard USS FECHTELER (DD-870) as Operations Officer, and in 1967 he left FECHTELER to study at the Naval Postgraduate School where he received his Masters Degree in Operations Research. In 1970 Commander Walker was assigned as Executive Officer onboard USS RUPERTUS (DD-851). His next duty in 1971 was as Chief Staff Officer, Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-ONE in San Diego, California. In 1973 he was transferred to the Officer Promotions Plans Branch of the Bureau of Naval Personnel.
     Commander Walker assumed command of USS RICHARD S. EDWARDS (DD-950) in April 1976.