PENTAGON – The U.S. Marine Corps does not have a confirmed leader for the first time in 164 years, following Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger’s relinquish-of-command ceremony held Monday and Berger’s private retirement ceremony.
At the relinquish-of-command ceremony at the Marine Corps Barracks in Washington, D.C., Gen. Eric Smith, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, took over as acting commandant. President Biden had nominated Smith to lead the service in May. Smith is expected to serve as the acting commandant but also stay in his role as assistant commandant – without a second-in-command due to the hold.
The last time the Marines were without a confirmed leader was 1859 following the death of Commandant Archibald Henderson.
