Category: Commandant of the Marine Corps

Source: United States Marines

HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS —

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric. M. Smith, underwent successful open heart surgery on Jan. 8 to repair a bicuspid aortic valve in his heart, which was the cause of his cardiac arrest on Oct. 29. He is in good condition and continues to recover at the hospital among family members and his doctors. Following his rehabilitation, Gen. Smith will return to full duty status as Commandant.

General Smith and his family are focused on his rehabilitation and appreciate everyone’s continued respect for their privacy ahead of his full recovery.

The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, continues to perform the duties of the Commandant during Gen. Smith’s rehabilitation.

Source: United States Marines

HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS —

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric. M. Smith, was released from inpatient care on Nov. 15 and is continuing his recovery. Gen. Smith’s recovery is well ahead of schedule, and he is now focused on preparing for an upcoming procedure to repair a bicuspid aortic valve in his heart, which his doctors assess directly contributed to his cardiac arrest.  

Gen. Smith and his wife, Trish, remain incredibly thankful for the continued outpouring of support from family, friends and colleagues. They appreciate everyone’s continued respect for their privacy ahead of Gen. Smith’s procedure and full recovery. 

Gen. Smith has also been in contact with the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, who continues to perform the duties of the commandant.

“Gen. Mahoney and I see eye to eye on the strategic direction of our Corps and we are fortunate to be surrounded by a Marine Corps family filled with America’s finest leaders,” said Gen. Smith. “We continue to focus on finding the right balance between modernizing through Force Design and our day-to-day crisis response mission, while also on taking care of our Marines and Sailors.”