The US Marine Corps announced on October 30 that General Eric Smith, the commander of the force, was hospitalized on the evening of October 29 after experiencing a medical emergency. According to Politico , Mr. Smith's condition, information about the emergency, and when the commander will be discharged from the hospital are unknown.
Mr. Eric Smith, Commander of the US Marine Corps
However, the USNI News military news site quoted two US defense officials confirming that Mr. Smith was hospitalized due to a heart attack.
Three-star Gen. Karsten Heckl, the service's top officer at headquarters, is temporarily taking over for Smith. Heckl is the Marine Corps' deputy commandant for combat development and integration.
Normally, the Marine Corps' No. 2, the assistant commandant, would take over as acting commander, but the position has not been filled due to obstruction by Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is blocking many military promotions or appointments because of his opposition to the Pentagon's abortion policy.
In fact, the Senate could still approve the nominees on a case-by-case basis to override Tuberville’s obstruction, but it would take longer than a typical mass confirmation. Senate Democratic leaders also don’t want to confirm each nominee individually, which could take months.
Mr. Smith served as assistant commander and acting commander until his confirmation in late September. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said Mr. Tuberville’s obstruction affected 378 appointments.
Smith’s last public appearance was on the afternoon of October 29, when he attended the Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, Virginia. In a speech last week, he said he was serving as both commander and assistant commandant of the force, pending Senate confirmation of Gen. Christopher Mahoney as No. 2.
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