On Oct. 6, the U.S. Marine Corps’ Third Marine Expeditionary Force, headquartered in Okinawa, announced that it will conduct the first joint exercise “Noble Fury 21” with the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet and other forces on Japanese islands, including Okinawa and Ioto Island.

The training will take place from Oct. 6 to Oct. 15. The Marines have not disclosed specific training sites in the prefecture or the number of members participating in the training for operational safety.

In recent years, the Marine Corps has indicated a plan to disperse units with China, which is improving its missile capabilities, in mind. The joint training in accord with the plan appears to be aimed at keeping Beijing in check.

According to the Marine Corps, an assault landing ship deployed to Sasebo Naval Base in Nagasaki Prefecture and the Air Force’s 18th Wing based at the U.S. military’s Kadena base will participate in the drill. The Marine Corps will strengthen its capabilities to pursue operations by dispersing units in the region. Lt. Gen. Herman Clardy, of the Third Marine Expeditionary Force, said, “The drills will improve the capability of the Third Expeditionary Force to secure bases for attack and replenishment.”