Aside from inb4source suggesting this was a hit by intelligence assets, there’s bigger ripples to Commandant Eric Smith being out of commission:

Article source

1. “There is currently not a Senate-confirmed assistant commandant in place.”

2. “In an address on Friday (the heart attack occurred Sunday), he told reporters he was doing the job of both the Marine commandant and assistant commandant of the service, pending the confirmation of the new number-two officer in the Marine Corps, Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney.

3. “Nearly 400 general and flag officer nominations are stalled in the Senate due to Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-Ala.) hold on unanimous consent over a Pentagon policy that reimburses service members for out-of-state travel for reproductive care, including abortions.”

It’s not fully Tuberville’s fault even though the article paints it that way then backtracks:

4. “Senate Democratic leaders have been reluctant to vote on military nominees one-by-one saying it would take months of floor time and has led to the stall in confirmations. As of last week, Tuberville and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) are pushing to confirm Adm. Lisa Franchetti as chief of naval operations and Gen. David Allvin as chief of staff of the Air Force.”

This is insane. I had no clue we’re lacking Joint Chiefs right now. I sure hope devolution is correct given this madness, especially considering what Q has said about the Marines specifically:

u/#q14

u/#q17