1956 Press Photo Marines stay in fighting condition practicing on Kin Beach.

Far different from the World War II invasion of Okinawa in 1944 is this taking of Kin Beach during Marine maneuvers. Assault troops pour out of LCVPs onto the beach. Such practice is one of the ways in which United States troops stationed on the 67-mile-long island, 500 miles from Red China, is being built up as a base to be held for "many, many, years," military authorities report. It is the United States' first "atom proof" base. Military leaders say it could carry on from underground installations, "with its military potential unimpaired," even if all surface buildings were knocked out in an atomic attack. The island's forces are being increased by an entire Marine Division, about 16,000 men. They will join some 45,000 American troops, civilian employees and members of their families on the island. United States - Marines - Maneuvers.

Photo is dated 1956.

Photo measures 9 x 7.25 inches.