CAMP NAHA, OKINAWA, Japan— U.S. Marine Corps Brig.

CAMP NAHA, OKINAWA, Japan— U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Paul Rock Jr. touches the skin of a Habu during the annual End of Year Event Dec. 21 aboard Camp Naha, Okinawa, Japan. During this End of Year Event, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 15th Brigade invited U.S. military members aboard Camp Naha for an in depth cultural experience. Habu refers to a particular type of snake that inhabits the Ryukyu Islands. These venomous snakes are also known as tree vipers or pit vipers and there are three species found on Okinawa. Habu are a pale greenish yellow color and marked with a wavy pattern of dark green patches with yellow edges. Rock is the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Danielle R. Prentice)