On May 17, 2006 Ambassador Maris Riekstins attended the commencement exercises of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. First Sargeant Martins Silis of the Armed Forces of Latvia was among the graduates. Martins Silis is the first representative from Latvia to complete the 4 year program at the Coast Guard Academy, earning the rank of officer and obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Science. Ambassador Riekstins expressed his gratitude for the educational opportunities offered to representatives of Latvia’s Armed Forces in the U.S. Other representatives from Latvia’s Armed Forces are studying at the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as in other American military institutions. Such educational opportunities at U.S. military establishments serve to strengthen defence cooperation between Latvia and the U.S., as well as to strengthen Latvia’s Armed Forces.