uss elpaso

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About uss elpaso

USS El Paso (LKA-117) was a Charleston-class amphibious cargo ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1970. Designed to transport troops, equipment, and supplies for amphibious operations, she played a vital role in supporting U.S. Marine Corps landings and exercises throughout her service. USS El Paso participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Atlantic, often as part of amphibious ready groups. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1994 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

Unit Members

Derrick Bias

U.S. Navy

uss elpasoView Profile

Vincent Murphy

U.S. Navy

uss elpasoView Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About uss elpaso

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• USS El Paso (LKA-117): The USS El Paso was a Charleston-class amphibious cargo ship in the United States Navy, named after El Paso, Texas. • Commissioning Date: The ship was commissioned on 17 January 1970 at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia. • Vietnam War Service: Although completed near the end of the Vietnam War, the USS El Paso served in the Western Pacific and supported operations during the conflict. • Operation Urgent Fury: In 1983, the USS El Paso participated in Operation Urgent Fury, the U.S. invasion of Grenada, providing amphibious support and logistic services. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship was involved in several humanitarian missions, including disaster relief efforts in the Caribbean. • Cold War Role: During the Cold War, the USS El Paso was a key component of the U.S. Navy’s rapid deployment force, ready to transport Marines and their equipment worldwide. • Distinctive Cargo Capability: As an amphibious cargo ship, the USS El Paso could carry troops, vehicles, supplies, and landing craft, making her vital for amphibious assault operations. • Decommissioning: The ship was decommissioned on 21 April 1994 after more than 24 years of service. • Awards and Honors: The USS El Paso received multiple awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for her service in various operations. • Final Fate: After decommissioning, the USS El Paso was placed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet and eventually scrapped, ending her long and varied career.