One senator's abortion protest leaves the Marine Corps without a permanent leader

Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, pictured here speaking to reporters in the U.S. Capitol on July 10, has blocked hundreds of military nominations, causing logistical hurdles across the service. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The U.S. Marine Corps is operating without a Senate-confirmed commandant for the first time in over 150 years because one Republican, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, continues to block military officer nominations.

The position of Marine Corps commandant, the branch's highest-ranking officer, was vacated on Monday as Gen. David Berger retired after 42 years in the service.