Virginia-class (CGN-38)

The Virginia class, designated CGN-38, comprised four nuclear-powered guided-missile cruisers operated by the United States Navy. Developed from the preceding California class, these were the final nuclear-powered cruisers commissioned by the United States and the last vessels ordered as destroyer leaders under the pre-1975 classification system. Three units were originally authorized as guided-missile frigates but were redesignated as cruisers prior to completion. Although the Navy initially planned 11 ships, production was limited to four units: Virginia, Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

The design featured a double-ended armament configuration with missile launchers located both forward and aft of the superstructure. The class was equipped with nuclear reactors providing the endurance required to escort fast carrier task forces. For protection, one-inch Kevlar plastic armor was installed around the combat information center, magazines, and machinery spaces. As originally built, the ships included a below-deck hangar with an elevator and telescopic hatch to house a LAMPS helicopter. During 1980s refits, the class received the New Threat Upgrade (NTU) to enhance radar and electronic systems. These modifications included the installation of armored box launchers for Tomahawk cruise missiles, which necessitated the removal of the helicopter facilities and flight deck. The ships utilized Mk 26 launchers for the Standard SM-2MR missile but were not capable of carrying the long-range SM-2ER variant.

Operational service began in 1976, with the vessels serving as air-defense, anti-submarine, and surface warfare platforms. Their high-speed endurance made them suitable escorts for Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. The class also functioned as flagships and provided shore bombardment capabilities. All four vessels were decommissioned between 1993 and 1998, earlier than their 38-year design life. This retirement was driven by post-Cold War budget reductions and the high costs associated with nuclear operations. Each ship required a mid-life reactor refueling and overhaul costing over $300 million. A 1996 study indicated that the annual operating cost of a Virginia-class cruiser was $40 million, compared to $28 million for the Aegis-equipped Ticonderoga class. Following their retirement, all units were processed through the Ship-Submarine Recycling Program.