Biden taps Mahoney as Marine Corps' next assistant commandant

The Biden administration has nominated Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney to serve as the next assistant Marine Corps commandant, according to a Tuesday announcement.

If confirmed, Mahoney, who currently serves as the deputy commandant for programs and resources, would succeed Gen. Eric Smith as the Marine Corps’ No. 2 officer.

Mahoney is a graduate of the Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and has served as the deputy commander of Marine Forces Pacific, the director of strategy and plans at Headquarters Marine Corps, the deputy commander of United States Forces, Japan and the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, according to his official biography.

In the Senate, Mahoney’s nomination faces a blockade by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) who is holding up all Defense Department nominations and promotions over opposition to the Pentagon’s leave and travel reimbursement policies for servicemembers seeking abortion services.

Following the retirement of the Marine Corps’ previous commandant, Gen. David Berger, Smith is serving as "acting commandant" while his nomination awaits official Senate approval.