Gen. Charles Bolden named to head NASA

WASHINGTON, May 23 (UPI) -- Former U.S. shuttle commander Charles Bolden has been named to head NASA, the White House announced Saturday.

If confirmed by the Senate, Bolden would be the first African-American to be NASA's top administrator. In the announcement Saturday, President Barack Obama named Lori Garver as Bolden's deputy. Garver is the President of Capital Space, LLC.

"These talented individuals will help put NASA on course to boldly push the boundaries of science, aeronautics and exploration in the 21st century and ensure the long-term vibrancy of America's space program," Obama said.

In college, Bolden, 59, earned top grades at the U.S. Naval Academy, was elected president of his class and graduated a Marine second lieutenant, NASA said in a statement.

He flew more than 100 missions in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia before becoming a Marine Corps test pilot and NASA astronaut who piloted two shuttle flights and commanded two shuttle missions, NASA said.

Bolden retired from the military as a Marine Corps major general in 2003. He had been on Obama's short-list of candidates for NASA since former administrator Mike Griffin resigned Jan. 20, Florida Today reported Saturday.