The youngest son of Vice President Joe Biden, Hunter, issued a statement expressing his regrets for being discharged from the Navy Rescue last year amid reports that he failed a drug test. Hunter Biden reportedly tested positive for cocaine last year and was discharged in February, according to the Wall Street Journal.

In a statement made Thursday, Biden did not explain why he was discharged but said he is embarrassed of his actions and respected the Navy's decision.

"It was the honor of my life to serve in the U.S. Navy, and I deeply regret and am embarrassed that my actions led to my administrative discharge," the statement read, which was distributed through Biden's lawyer. "I respect the Navy's decision. With the love and support of my family, I'm moving forward."

The vice president's office declined to comment on the remarks.

Hunter Biden, 44, is a lobbyist and attorney who now works in an investment firm. He received a commission as a public affairs officer in the Navy Rescue last year, which required an age waiver since he was 42 years old at the time as well as a second waiver for a drug-related incident when he was much younger. People familiar with the case reported waivers like this are not uncommon.

The Navy responded that Biden had met all of the requirements to fill the direct commission but would not provide details behind why the agency discharged him.

"Like other junior officers, the details of Ens. Biden's discharge are not releasable due to the Privacy Act," Navy spokesman Cmdr. Ryan Perry said.

Typically, Navy personnel discharged because of a failed drug test don't receive honorable discharges. Most receive "other than honorable" or "general" discharge status.

Biden's discharge was not clear, and the Navy does not release the discharge status of low-ranking officers.