Retired Gen. Al Gray, the 29th commandant of the Marine Corps, passed away at 95 after a long period of hospice care. Known for his 41 years of service and leadership from 1987 to 1991, Gray was widely beloved by Marines and veterans. His legacy includes the development of maneuver warfare doctrine and a Silver Star Medal for bravery in Vietnam. Gen. Eric M. Smith mourned Gray's passing, emphasizing his enduring impact on the Marine Corps.
General Alfred M. Gray, the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, passed away on March 20, 2024, in Alexandria, Virginia. Known as a "Marine's Marine," he made significant contributions to the Corps, including the development of maneuver warfare doctrine and the establishment of Marine Corps University. His legacy will endure, and all Marine Corps Installations will half-mast the National Ensign in his honor until April 18.
Gen. Eric Smith was sworn in as the 39th commandant of the Marine Corps in a small ceremony at the Pentagon, one day after his Senate confirmation. The low-key event was attended by fewer than 10 people, including Smith, his wife, and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. Smith, a career infantryman and advocate of force modernization, had been performing the duties of commandant since July. However, his confirmation allows him to issue long-term planning guidance and assume the official title of commandant. The Senate's confirmation of Smith also unblocks the nominations of other senior military officials awaiting confirmation.
The Marine Corps is currently without a Senate-confirmed commandant for the first time since 1910, as Gen. David Berger stepped down without a permanent successor. Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama is blocking senior military nominations in protest of a Pentagon abortion policy, causing a lapse in command. President Joe Biden's pick for the Marines' new service chief, Gen. Eric Smith, will serve as acting commandant until confirmed. Tuberville's actions have been criticized by both Democrats and Republicans, as they delay critical military nominations and impact the readiness of the force.
Gen. Eric Smith has been nominated to be the next commandant of the Marine Corps, succeeding Gen. David Berger who will retire this summer. Smith, currently the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, is expected to continue the Force Design 2030 modernization efforts launched by Berger. However, the effort has faced criticism from retired Marine Corps officers and Sen. Dan Sullivan has called for a hearing on Force Design to discuss some of those criticisms and concerns. Smith's confirmation by the Senate is unclear due to a procedural hold by Sen. Tommy Tuberville over the Pentagon’s abortion travel and leave policy.
