General Charles Bolden President Barack Obama has named a former shuttle commander as the man he wants to head up NASA.

Mr. Obama announced the nomination of retired US Marine Corps Major General Charles Bolden on May 23.

A 1968 graduate of the United States Naval Academy (USNA), he became a Marine Aviator and test pilot. After his service with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, he became Deputy Commandant of Midshipmen at the USNA.

Bolden serves on the board of directors for the Military Child Education Coalition.

If the Senate confirms his nomination, Bolden would be the first African- American to serve as NASA Administrator and only the second astronaut to hold the position.

Bolden would replace Michael Griffin as NASA Administrator. Griffin stepped down in January.

"I am delighted to see that Charlie Bolden has been nominated to be the next Administrator of NASA," Griffin said. "A long time friend and colleague, Maj. Gen. Bolden has served the nation all his life, as a military pilot and a NASA astronaut. During my tenure as Administrator, Charlie served with distinction on the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. He is a gifted individual. NASA will be in good hands."