On Wednesday, NASA announced its 2017 astronaut candidate class. Among the 12 individuals selected was University of Alabama alumni Bob Hines.

Hines received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Boston University in 1997, then earned a Master of Science degree in Flight Test Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in 2008. In 2010, Hines left his mark on The University of Alabama, earning a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.

According to NASA, Hines has accumulated over 3,500 hours in total flight time. While serving in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves, he piloted 41 types of aircraft and flew 76 combat missions.

Hines and his fellow candidates are currently undergoing a training program at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and will officially report for duty in August. After two years of further training, he will be assigned to technical duties in NASA’s Astronaut Office until he is given a flight assignment.