Top Marine general hospitalized

Gen. Eric Smith, the top leader of the Marine Corps, was hospitalized Sunday evening after experiencing a medical emergency, the service announced on Monday.

No details were immediately available about Smith’s condition, the nature of the emergency, or when he was expected to be released.

“Out of respect for the expressed wishes of the family, we will not provide any further details on the medical condition of General Smith at this time,” said his spokesperson, Maj. Jim Stenger.

In the meantime, Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, deputy commandant for combat development and integration, is serving as acting commandant, according to a statement from the service.

As commandant of the Marine Corps, Smith is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Normally the service’s No. 2 would serve as acting commandant, but that job has remained unfilled due to Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s blockade of military promotions in protest of the Pentagon’s abortion policy.

Smith, who had been the assistant commandant and serving as commandant in an acting role, was confirmed for the top job in late September.