U.S. holds amphibious drills in Okinawa

Seen via a night-vision scope, the sea surface comes into view beyond U.S. marines, poised on high ground to support landing troops who were later to come ashore. This photo was taken on Sunday at a training ground of the U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Courtney in Uruma, Okinawa Prefecture. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps conducted a joint exercise, mobilizing about 10,000 personnel, at bases in Okinawa Prefecture and locations in the East China Sea from Feb. 3 through Feb. 7.

Taking part in the exercise, dubbed "Noble Fusion" and designed with the situation surrounding Taiwan in mind, were multiple elements of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps plus some elements of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force and Maritime Self-Defense Force.