Charles Frank "Charlie" Bolden, Jr., (born August 19, 1946 in Columbia, South Carolina) is a retired U.S. Marine Corps major general and a former NASAastronaut. 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 is the virtual host of the Shuttle Launch Experience attraction at Kennedy Space Center. In early January 2009, speculation arose that Barack Obama may name Bolden as NASA Administrator to replace Michael D. Griffin. MSNBC has reported that Bolden will be named the NASA Administrator on May 18, 2009.