U.S. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith underwent open-heart surgery Monday to repair a valve in his heart, the Corps said.
Smith, who was confirmed as the new commander on September 21, was initially hospitalized after suffering cardiac arrest near his home at Marine Barracks Washington on October 29.
“He is in good condition and continues to recover in the hospital among his family and doctors,” the Corps said in a statement. “Upon his rehabilitation, General Smith will return to fully perform his duties as commander.”
Smith’s surgery comes after news that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center last week for complications following a recent elective medical procedure, which was not shared with the public during several days. Austin has since resumed all of his duties.
Senior marine commander hospitalized after suffering a heart attack
U.S. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith underwent open-heart surgery Monday to repair a bicuspid aortic valve in his heart. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Shannon Doherty)
The surgery successfully repaired a bicuspid aortic valve in his heart, which was the cause of his cardiac arrest.
The deputy commander, Gen. Christopher Mahoney, served as acting chief of the Marine Corps while Smith was in the hospital.
The Corps said Smith underwent successful surgery to repair a bicuspid aortic valve in his heart, which was the cause of his cardiac arrest. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Smith will return to full duties as a commander following his rehabilitation, according to a statement from the Marines.
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The Defense Department said Austin’s hospitalization was not initially disclosed due to medical and personal privacy concerns. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks took her place during a previously scheduled leave.
Several lawmakers, including Democrats and Republicans, have requested additional information about the medical operation and why several offices were not immediately notified of its absence.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin remains hospitalized a week after suffering server pain following an elective procedure, the Pentagon said Monday. (Ian Waldie/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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Republican presidential candidates have also weighed in on the controversy, with Nikki Haley suggesting that President Biden should be held accountable.
Fox News’ Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Liz Friden contributed to this report.
