At various points in 2023, four different generals were in charge of the Marine Corps. The accident, which remains under investigation, is the deadliest Air Force mishap since 2018, and the fourth fatal Osprey crash in two years. A provision in Congress' not-yet-final annual defense authorization bill calls for "an independent review, assessment, and analysis" of Force Design 2030. A Senate proposal would award retroactive pay and benefits to senior leaders who waited months for confirmation due to a political standoff. A pair of Republican senators are still blocking the senior leaders from stepping in to their new roles. “It’s not the first time I’ve been knocked down," Gen. Eric Smith said. "When I was shot in 2004, I bounced back from that." Gen. Eric Smith is preparing for a medical procedure to repair a heart abnormality that doctors determined contributed to his medical episode. In total, 61 active duty Marines and six Marine reservists died by suicide in 2022. Although Jack Lowe was in pain, he remained standing during the ceremony, even raising his right hand from his walker to recite his oath. Gen. Eric Smith signaled his desire to resume the commandant job when he can and wished Marines a happy birthday. Load More