About this Unit
USS El Paso (LKA-117) was a Charleston-class amphibious cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Named after El Paso, Texas, the vessel was designed to transport troops, equipment, and supplies for amphibious operations. Throughout her service, El Paso participated in numerous exercises and deployments, including support missions in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, as well as contingency operations during global crises. The ship was decommissioned in 1994 after over two decades of distinguished service and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
•
Name & Class: USS El Paso (LKA-117) was a Charleston-class amphibious cargo ship, named after the city of El Paso, Texas.
•
Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on January 17, 1970, and served the United States Navy for over two decades.
•
Vietnam War Service: USS El Paso participated in the Vietnam War, providing crucial logistical support by transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to the war zone.
•
Cold War Operations: During the Cold War, the ship was involved in various NATO exercises and readiness operations, acting as a vital asset in rapid amphibious deployment.
•
Lebanon Peacekeeping: In the early 1980s, USS El Paso supported the U.S. peacekeeping force in Lebanon, delivering Marines and equipment during the multinational force operations.
•
Grenada Invasion: The ship took part in Operation Urgent Fury in 1983, the U.S. invasion of Grenada, by delivering combat cargo and supporting amphibious landings.
•
Humanitarian Missions: Besides combat operations, the USS El Paso participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief in the Caribbean and Central America.
•
Decommissioning: The vessel was decommissioned on April 21, 1994, after more than 24 years of active service.
•
Unique Features: As an LKA (Amphibious Cargo Ship), the El Paso was designed to transport and land heavy cargo, including vehicles and supplies, directly onto hostile shores, supporting Marine landings.
•
Legacy: While the USS El Paso has since been scrapped, its service record includes participation in major U.S. military operations, humanitarian efforts, and contributions to Cold War readiness, highlighting the versatility and importance of amphibious cargo ships in modern naval history.
