U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Danner, the commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, awards a challenge coin to a soldier with the 1st Regimental Landing Team, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, at Hijudai, Japan on Feb. 23, 2023. The coins were awarded to the Marines and soldiers as recognition for their outstanding initiative and service during Iron Fist 23. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the JGSDF, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.