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SECNAV Del Toro Statement on General Eric Smith, the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps

30 October 2023

Statement from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro:

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith experienced a medical emergency on the evening of Oct. 29, 2023, and has been hospitalized.

Due to the vacancy in the Office of the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 8044, the most senior officer of the Marine Corps in the Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, is performing the duties of the Commandant.

Additional information regarding the condition of Gen. Smith will be released at a later time.

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