Second Lieutenant Miguel Cauchi has become the first Armed Forces of Malta soldier to graduate from the United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School in Connecticut.

Second Lt Cauchi graduated from the 17 week-long course in November. The course is the longest of any Officer Candidate programmes of the five military services, and involves instruction on military subjects, physical training and leadership.

In a statement posted to Facebook, the US Embassy in Malta congratulated Second Lt Cauchi.

The US Embassy said it is proud of his achievements and looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Armed Forces of Malta to deliver more education and training opportunities