After being sidelined for about four months due to a heart attack, Gen. Eric Smith is taking steps to return to full duty as commandant of the Marine Corps. Smith recently made a quiet return to the Pentagon, attending meetings and getting updates to prepare for his eventual return to full duty. Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that his return could happen in the coming weeks.
The heart attack occurred on Oct. 29 near his home at Marine Barracks Washington, resulting in cardiac arrest. Following successful surgery in early January to repair a bicuspid aortic valve, the Marine Corps announced that Smith would return to full duty status as Commandant.
During Smith's absence, Gen. Christopher Mahoney has been serving as the acting head of the Marine Corps. Mahoney will continue in this role until Smith is ready to resume full duty, pending consultation with medical professionals.
Smith, who was confirmed as the new commandant on Sept. 21, faced challenges due to having to fulfill both the commandant and assistant commandant roles for several months. This situation arose because Mahoney's nomination for the assistant commandant position was delayed by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
Tuberville had placed holds on numerous military promotions and nominations, citing objections to Pentagon policies regarding funding for troops' reproductive care. However, in December, Tuberville lifted his holds under pressure from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle, allowing the Senate to confirm over 435 nominations.
