El Paso (LKA 117) - Naval Cruise Book

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Command History USS EL PASO (LKA 117) is assigned to Amphibious Squadron SIX, United States Atlantic Fleet. An LKA, Amphibious Cargo Ship, is designed to transport and land combat equipment and material, with attendant personnel, in an amphibious assault. Armed with 11 assault boats and improved cargo handling systems, the 576-foot, 29-knot EL PASO possesses a powerful capability for supporting amphibious assaults that is beyond the reach of previous LKA-type ships. Her four Mike 8 boats, capable of landing 60-ton tanks, are the largest landing craft hoisted aboard a navy ship. Her improved cargo handling system includes special elevators, an enlarged helicopter plat- form, and 12 booms (of which two are capable of handling loads up to 70 tons). The engine room can be operated by only five or six men because of her automated engineering systems, as well as a propulsion system which can be directly controlled from the bridge. EL PASO was constructed by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Newport News, Virginia and launched 17 May 1968 by her sponsor Mrs. John G. Tower, wife of Senator Tower of Texas. The ship is named for the City and County of El Paso, Texas, and is the second naval ship to bear the name; the first was the patrol frigate PF-41, commissioned in 1943 and saw service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Since her commissioning on 17 January 1970, EL PASO ' s schedule has been a busy one. In September of 1970, EL PASO began her first of six successful Mediterranean deployment and numerous Caribbean cruises. EL PASO has visited Europe, South and Central America, Cuba, Haiti, Peurto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The ship underwent its first overhaul in July 1974. Upon her successful completion in March 1975, EL PASO rejoined the AMPHIBS , commencing a busy and demanding schedule. EL PASO received outstanding grades during extensive refresher training conducted by Fleet Training Center, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during the spring of 1975. -After a quick work-up with Amphibious Squadron TWO, EL PASO left in late July for her fifth Mediter- ranean deployment. The ship participated in seven amphibious exercises, including the NATO operation Deep Express , and made port visits to Spain, France, and Italy. After EL PASO ' s return to the United States in Feb- ruary 1975, she made several Caribbean cruises and participated in exercises Aloud Charlie , Solid Shield 76 , and a Reserve Marine Unit Landing Exercise (RESMAULEX). EL PASO deployed to the Mediterranean in November 1976 as the flagship of Amphibious Squadron SIX. While the Flag was embarked, the ship received numerous commendations for support provided to the COMPHIBRON SIX. Staff. The ship participated in many amphibious exercises, including the fleet exercise. National Week XXII . EL PASO returned to the United States in May 1977. To date, EL PASO has received many awards, including the Battle Efficiency Award for 1971, Departmental Excellence Awards, the Arleigh Burke Trophy for a ship showing the greatest improvement in Battle Efficiency, and the 1971 NEY Award for Food Preparation. EL PASO currently displays the Operations E in gold (fifth consecutive award) and red DC . The ship added to her Atlantic Fleet reputation by winning the Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic ' s first annual Ciolden Anchor Award for large ships in 1975. The Golden Anchor Award is given to ships which demonstrate excellence in career motivation and retention programs. To accentuate the achievement, FL PASO had gold painted anchors for one year.

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Executive Officer COMMANDER JAMES C. VAN SLYKE, JR. Commander James C. Van Slyke, Jr. entered Officer Candidate School, in July 1961, after his graduation from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. After being commissioned in November 1961, his first assignment was as Communications Officer aboard USS BUCK (DD 761). In 1964, Commander Van Slyke was assigned to the Naval Postgraduate School where he was a student in the Engineering Science curriculum. Following graduation in 1965, Commander Van Slyke reported to USS PLATTE (AO 24) for duty as Operations Officer. In 1968, after completion of Destroyer School, Commander Van Slyke was assigned to USS EPPERSON (DD 719) where he served as Operations Officer. In October 1969, Commander Van Slyke took command of USS MEEKER COUNTY (LST 980). After he decommissioned USS MEEKER COUNTY in December 1970, Commander Van Slyke attended the Armed Forces Staff College. In August 1971, he reported to the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff for duty as a stra- tegic planner. During this tour, he earned a Master of Arts Degree from Creighton University. Commander Van Slyke was selected to participate in the Navy ' s Personnel Exchange Program in 1974 and was subsequently assigned to the Headquarters of Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific, Esquimalt, British Columbia where he served as Senior Staff Officer for Surface Operations. In march 1976, Commander Van Slyke reported to USS EL PASO (LKA 117) for duty as Executive Officer. During his career. Commander Van Slyke has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, a Navy Unit Commendation and various Campaign and Service Awards. Commander Van Slyke is married to the former Gwyne Larson of Los Angeles, California. The Van Slyke ' s have two children, Jimmie and Susan, and reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

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Captain W. S. Guthrie Commander , Amphibious Squadron Six In the early days of the deployment EL PASO became the PHIBRON SIX Flagship, carrying the Commander of Amphibious Squadron Six and his staff. EL PASO proved its versatility by meeting all logistic and communications requirements imposed on her.