The USS Kearsarge, docked in Eilat, Israel. Photo: Screenshot / Ma'ariv.

Amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge of the U.S. 5th Fleet docked in Eilat this week after participating in exercises in the Persian Gulf, Israel’s Ma’ariv reported.

The Kearsarge houses some 1,800 Marines, and 20 V-22 helicopters and Harrier fighters. The ship last docked in Eilat in May for routine maintenance, the first time in 14 years that a U.S. Navy ship docked in Eilat, Ma’ariv said.

The newspaper said the ship’s crew were enjoying the local shopping, clubs and pubs, as well as visiting the holy places.