Gen. Eric Smith formally became Marine Corps commandant Friday but without a full Marine Barracks ceremony.
“[I]t was in a small ceremony at the Pentagon,” Marine Corps Times reported. “Smith was dressed in his service uniform, the typical Marine uniform for a typical Friday at work, as Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro swore him in.”
Smith spent a month serving as both acting commandant and assistant commandant until the Senate finally confirmed him Thursday, working around a broader blockade of military promotions and confirmations by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), who’s protesting the Pentagon’s policy providing time off and travel reimbursements for service members who have to leave their duty station states to get abortions.
“I am humbled to have the opportunity to continue to serve Marines,” Smith said. “I remain mindful that dozens of junior Marine officers, families and their units remain in an unstable position as they wait for confirmation. I look forward to the day when all Marines and their families enjoy the stability they deserve.”
Marine Corps photo
