USS Little Rock (CL-92)

• Commissioned in 1945: USS Little Rock (CL-92) was commissioned on June 17, 1945, just as World War II was ending, and thus did not see combat in the conflict. • Cleveland-class Light Cruiser: She was one of 27 Cleveland-class light cruisers built for the U.S. Navy during World War II, designed for anti-aircraft and surface warfare. • Early Cold War Service: USS Little Rock participated in various training and goodwill missions in the Atlantic and Mediterranean during the early years of the Cold War. • Converted to a Guided Missile Cruiser: In the late 1950s, Little Rock was converted to a Galveston-class guided missile cruiser (CLG-4/CG-4), receiving the Talos missile system and a new superstructure. • Flagship Role: After her conversion, she served as the flagship for the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, coordinating naval operations during periods of regional tension. • Involvement in the 1967 Six-Day War: During the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War, USS Little Rock was deployed in the Mediterranean to help protect American interests and evacuate civilians if necessary. • Unique Museum Ship: After decommissioning in 1976, Little Rock became a museum ship at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park in Buffalo, New York, and is the only Cleveland-class cruiser preserved in the world. • Connection to USS Liberty Incident: While deployed in the Mediterranean in 1967, USS Little Rock was involved in the aftermath of the USS Liberty incident, coordinating communications and assistance. • Longest Cleveland-class Cruiser in Service: Due to her missile conversion and extended service as a flagship, Little Rock had one of the longest active careers among Cleveland-class ships. • Namesake: The ship was named after Little Rock, Arkansas, and is the second U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name. Her bell is displayed at the Arkansas State Capitol.