The commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, underwent successful open-heart surgery Monday after being hospitalized more than two months ago following a cardiac arrest near his home in Washington, D.C., the service said.
In a statement late Monday evening, the Marine Corps said that Smith, the service’s top uniformed officer, was in “good condition” and expected to return to duty following his rehabilitation. The service did not provide a date for his return.
Smith suffered a cardiac arrest Oct. 29 near his home at Marine Barracks Washington. The surgery was to repair a bicuspid aortic valve in his heart that doctors previously said contributed to his hospitalization.
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“He is in good condition and continues to recover at the hospital among family members and his doctors,” the statement from the Marine Corps said. “Following his rehabilitation, Gen. Smith will return to full duty status as commandant.”
The assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Christopher Mahoney, has been performing the duties of the commandant while Smith recovers. The statement added that Smith and his family “appreciate everyone’s continued respect for their privacy ahead of his full recovery.”
Mahoney was sworn in as assistant commandant in November amid Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s hold on military nominations over a…
