First Cypriot student sworn in for United States Naval Academy

On May 29, 2026, a swearing-in ceremony was held at the Cypriot Ministry of Defense for Leonidas Feraios, the first Cypriot student accepted to the United States Naval Academy (USNA). The event was attended by Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, Chief of the National Guard Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, and Deputy Director of Secondary Education Georgios Koutsidis, representing the Ministry of Education. Also present were the U.S. Defense Attaché, representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus, and the student's family. Minister Palmas highlighted the milestone as a sign of the strengthening defense and security cooperation between Cyprus and the United States. He noted that the bilateral relationship is currently at its highest level, based on mutual trust and a shared vision for regional stability. The Ministry of Education representative mentioned the contribution of the public education system in the selection process. Feraios is expected to begin his studies during the next academic year. This achievement is intended to serve as a catalyst for other Cypriot students to pursue similar military education paths abroad.