Colonel James Grech appointed AFM Deputy Commander
Grech assumes the role as Colonel Edric Zahra is appointed Identità CEO
Colonel James Grech has been appointed Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta following Colonel Edric Zahra’s departure to head up the Identità agency.
Grech’s appointment was announced in a Home Affairs Ministry statement Tuesday.
Born in 1977, Grech attended St Aloysius College in Birkirkara, joining the armed forces in 1999. He studied at the German Naval Academy in Mürwik during his first four years of service, including training mission aboard German naval vessels.
Grech has held a range of AFM positions over his 26-year career, including within the Maritime Squadron as a commanding officer.
He also served as Officer in Command of the Coastal Patrol Boats Section, the Inshore Patrol Boat Command, and the Offshore Patrol Boat Command.
Further studies included at the Italian Naval Command School in Augusta, the Naval Staff College at the Maritime War College in Venice and the IMO International Maritime Law Institute.
In 2011, Grech was appointed Staff Officer within the Logistics Branch at Armed Forces Headquarters. Two years later, he was appointed Staff Officer for Maritime and Air, Plans and Operations within the Operations Branch.
On Republic Day, 2014, Grech was awarded the Distinct Service Medal. He received the Long Efficient Service medal in 2017 and the clasp in 2025.
He represents AFM on several local and international boardds related to maritime safety and security and serves on the National Fisheries Board.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri congratulated Grech on his appointment and thanked Zahra for his dedicated service.