General Smith is making excellent progress following sudden cardiac arrest earlier this week. His baseline physical health has directly contributed to his rapid improvement and he is recovering as expected. Once he is discharged from the hospital, he will continue his recovery at his military quarters, but will need to focus on his health prior to fully returning to duty.

He congratulates and appreciates that General Mahoney was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in as the 37th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps by Secretary Del Toro. General Smith is also aware that General Mahoney additionally is performing the duties of the Commandant, until such time that General Smith can resume his normal duties.

The Smith family is exceedingly grateful for the outpouring of support for General Smith. They are also appreciative of the privacy that has been extended to them as they focus on General Smith’s health and recovery.

General Smith is extremely proud of how the Marine Corps continues to protect our Nation throughout this trying time. Despite his absence, Marines remain forward deployed and ready to respond to current threats while simultaneously modernizing for the future.