KINGS POINT, N.Y. (AP) - Retired astronaut Mark Kelly has been chosen to be the commencement speaker at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Kelly, who flew four missions aboard two different space shuttles, is a 1986 graduate of the academy located in Kings Point, on Long Island.

Kelly is the husband of retiring Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. She was nearly killed in a shooting last year in Arizona.

A statement from the academy issued Friday says Giffords also will attend the June 18 ceremony.

Kelly, a retired Navy captain, flew combat missions during the Gulf War.

He flew the first of four space shuttle missions in 2001 aboard Endeavour. He also commanded Endeavor on its final flight in May 2011.

Kelly is one of two individuals who have visited the International Space Station four times.