USS El Paso (LKA-117)

The USS El Paso (LKA-117) was a Charleston-class amphibious cargo ship of the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1970, she served extensively in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous deployments and exercises. LKA-117's primary mission was to transport supplies, equipment, and personnel in support of amphibious operations. She had a large cargo capacity and the capability to offload cargo both at improved ports and over the beach using her own landing craft. Key features of the El Paso included her helicopter deck for vertical replenishment and medical evacuation, as well as command and control facilities for coordinating amphibious landings. Throughout her service, the USS El Paso participated in various humanitarian missions and contingency operations. She was decommissioned in 1994 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register. The El Paso was eventually scrapped.