HAIFA, Israel (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) arrived in Haifa, Israel for a routine port visit, Sept. 4.
San Antonio's commanding officer, Capt. Randell Dykes, said this visit is a well-deserved break for Sailors and Marines, and for many is the first time they have visited Israel.
"If you've been here, you know what a great country Israel is," said Dykes. "I know our Sailors and Marines will have a great time. They certainly deserve it after all the hard work they've put in on this deployment."
While in Haifa, Sailors and Marines will have the opportunity to explore the city and to experience the rich history and culture of Israel. Tours are being offered to the Sailors and Marines to historic locations while in port.
San Antonio is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.