USS El Paso (LKA-117)

USS El Paso (AKA-117/LKA-117) is a Charleston class amphibious cargo ship named after the city of El Paso, Texas. She served as a commissioned ship for 24 years and 3 months.

She was laid down as AKA-117 at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, VA on 22 October 1968, and redesignated LKA-117 on 1 January 1969. She was launched on 17 May 1969, and commissioned on 17 January 1970.

El Paso was not involved in the Vietnam War.

In 1993 El Paso deployed to the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, and participated in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia.

She was decommissioned on 21 April 1994. She is berthed at the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia, PA.

The ship earned several awards and campaign ribbons for her service.

Unofficial ship's motto (1977–1982): "You call, we haul – N-o-o-o problem!"

Roy Cash, nephew of singer Johnny Cash and father of Miss America 1987 winner Kellye Cash, once served as her captain.

There is no known DANFS entry for the ship.