Hunter Biden, youngest son of Vice-President Joe Biden, was discharged in February from the Navy after testing positive for cocaine, media sources reported Thursday.

Reports said Biden failed his drug test in June 2013. Biden, a former lobbyist and attorney, then 42-years-old, applied under a special program to be a Navy Reserve public affairs officer in 2012.

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Biden issued a statement saying it was an honor to serve in the US Navy.

"I deeply regret and am embarrassed that my actions led to my administrative discharge," he said, adding he respected the decision and was moving forward.

The Navy confirmed the general discharge, but declined further comment, citing the Privacy Act constraints.

Most people receive an honorable discharge when leaving the service. A failed drug test would disqualify a person from that designation.

A spokesman for the Vice President's office would not comment on the reports. When Biden was commissioned, Jill Biden, his step-mother, said she was looking forward to her stepson following two of his grandfathers into Navy service.

Biden obtained two waivers needed for commissioning. The first waiver was due to his age. The second waiver was due to being subject to a drug-related charge when he was younger. The drug waiver was not deemed unusual, according to Navy sources. He then was commissioned as ensign.

Biden was one of seven people commissioned in 2012 under a special program, allowing professionals to join the Navy through a direct commission following completion of a 12-day Rhode Island-based training program. Each successful applicant had to pass a medical examination and qualify for security clearance.

The special Navy Reserve Duty program and service was designed to bring in leaders in critical career focus sections like engineering and law, according to Navy sources.

Vice President Biden has two sons. Aside from Hunter, Beau Biden is a Delaware National Guard major. Beau Biden also is Delaware attorney general and a candidate for governor.

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