About this Unit
USS Arkansas (CGN-41) was a Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on October 18, 1980. Designed for multi-role operations, she served as an escort for aircraft carrier battle groups, providing air defense and surface warfare capabilities with her advanced missile systems. Throughout her active service, Arkansas participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf, and support missions during the Gulf War. Decommissioned on July 7, 1998, the ship was subsequently dismantled as part of the Navy’s Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.
Historical Facts
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Last of Her Kind: USS Arkansas (CGN-41) was the fourth and final ship of the Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruisers, making her the last nuclear-powered cruiser built by the US Navy.
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Commissioning: Arkansas was commissioned on October 18, 1980, at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia, with Captain Dennis S. Read as her first commanding officer.
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Namesake: She was the fourth US Navy ship to be named after the state of Arkansas.
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Advanced Weaponry: The ship was equipped with Standard surface-to-air missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and two 5-inch guns, making her a formidable asset during the Cold War.
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Carrier Escort: Arkansas frequently served as an escort for aircraft carriers, including the USS Nimitz and USS Theodore Roosevelt, providing air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
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Persian Gulf Deployments: The cruiser saw action during Operation Earnest Will (1987-1988), protecting Kuwaiti oil tankers during the Iran-Iraq War and later supported Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
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Arctic Operations: In 1988, Arkansas participated in a historic Arctic Circle operation, crossing the Arctic Circle and earning the crew the "Blue Nose" distinction.
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Humanitarian Missions: The ship provided assistance during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, helping with disaster relief efforts in the Caribbean.
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Decommissioning: Due to high operating costs and post-Cold War budget cuts, Arkansas was decommissioned on July 7, 1998—after less than 18 years of service.
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Reactor Recycle: Following decommissioning, Arkansas was towed to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, where her nuclear reactors were defueled and recycled as part of the Navy’s Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.
