Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith is making "excellent progress" in his recovery following a heart attack on Sunday.

Smith was hospitalized after suddenly going into cardiac arrest, with Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, deputy commandant for combat development and integration and commanding general of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, taking his place as he recovers. In a statement on Friday, the Marine Corps announced that Smith was doing well but would need time to recover before returning to duty.

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"General Smith is making excellent progress following sudden cardiac arrest earlier this week. His baseline physical health has directly contributed to his rapid improvement and he is recovering as expected," the statement read. "Once he is discharged from the hospital, he will continue his recovery at his military quarters, but will need to focus on his health prior to fully returning to duty."

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It also thanked concerned citizens for their outpouring of support and said that Smith expressed his pride in the Marine Corps.