 On June 21 , 2011 , Kelly announced his retirement from the U.S. Navy and NASA , effective October 1 , 2011 . His retirement was announced on his Facebook page , where he wrote , " Words cannot convey my deep gratitude for the opportunities I have been given to serve our great nation . From the day I entered the United States Merchant Marine Academy in the summer of 1982 to the moment I landed the Space Shuttle Endeavour three weeks ago , it has been my privilege to advance the ideals that define the United States of America . " 
