Story first posted 12:00 p.m., January 31, 2001

WASHINGTON Its official. The White House announced Jan. 31 that President George W.Bush has nominated U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden to serve asdeputy to NASA Administrator Sean OKeefe.

Bolden,an astronaut and space shuttle commander, served as a NASA assistant deputyadministrator from 1992 until being selected to command the first jointU.S.-Russian space shuttle mission, which flew in 1994.

Boldentraveled the United States in 1992, moderating a series of town hall meetingsinitiated by former NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin, to gather public input onthe U.S. space agencys agenda.

Boldencurrently is the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in SanDiego.

AlthoughNASAs charter requires that both the agencys administrator and deputyadministrator be civilians, Bolden would be permitted to retain his active dutymilitary status if confirmed by Congress.

Languageincluded in the Defense Appropriations Act of 2002 gives the White Houseone-time authority to assign an active duty military officer to NASAs numbertwo spot.

Nosuch exception was made for U.S. Navy Admiral Richard B. Truly, who retiredfrom active duty the day before he was sworn in as NASA administrator in 1989.

Incidentally,Truly told Space News, that he thinks Bolden is an outstanding choice fordeputy.

Boldenmust be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before he can report for duty.

NASANews Chief Bob Jacobs said the agency is hoping for swift confirmation of thepresidents nominee.