Joe Biden's son discharged from US Navy 'over cocaine use'

Hunter Biden thanks family for support but vice-president's office is yet to comment

US vice-president Joe Biden with his son, Hunter (AP)

The son of US vice-president Joe Biden has reportedly been thrown out of the US Navy after failing a drug test for cocaine.

Hunter Biden, son of President Obama’s deputy Joe Biden, failed check in June last year, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The former Navy reservist confirmed that he had been subject to administrative discharge and said the episode had been embarrassing for him.

“It was the honor [sic] of my life to serve in the US Navy, and I deeply regret and am embarrassed that my actions led to my administrative discharge,” he said in the statement through his lawyer.

“I respect the Navy's decision. With the love and support of my family, I'm moving forward.”

Despite Mr Biden’s reference to his family’s support, there was no public response from the vice-president’s office.

Hunter’s brother is the attorney general of the US state of Delaware, and is standing as a candidate for governor there. He also holds the rank of Major in the Delaware National Guard.

Commander Ryan Perry, a spokesperson for the US Navy, confirmed that Mr Biden had been discharged from the navy reserve in February 2014. He said he could not release further details due to US privacy laws.

Mr Biden is a lawyer by training and now works as a managing partner at an investment company, according to the Wall Street Journal.