The USS Arkansas (CGN-41) was a US nuclear-powered missile cruiser. The keel for this unit was laid in 1977, the launch took place in December 1978, and the entry into service with the US Navy took place in 1980. The total length of the ship was 178 meters and 19 meters wide. Full displacement reached approx. 11,000 tons, and the maximum speed slightly exceeded 30 knots. The on-board armament of the ship at the time of launching included, among others: two 2-rail missile launchers Mk. 26, 8 RGM-84 Harpoon rocket launchers or two single 127 mm guns. The unit could be based on the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite helicopter.
The USS Arkansas (CGN-41) was one of four Virginia-class cruisers. Units of this type were designed and built to provide cover for US Navy aircraft carriers. It was decided to use nuclear propulsion to ensure the greatest possible autonomy for the new ships. In order to reduce the costs of research and development, it was decided to use the modernized design of California-class ships. One of the units of this class was the USS Arkansas (CGN-41). The vessel was built at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia. After passing all tests and being accepted into service, she was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet and began operations as part of the US 6th Fleet operating in the Mediterranean. In 1982, it operated in the Lebanon region, but already in 1984 it took part in the international RIMPAC 84 exercises. In 1985, the ship was modernized and repaired. In their course, he received, among other things, Tomahawk rocket launchers. In May 1991, the unit operated in the Persian Gulf region as a shield ship for the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. In 1996, the USS Arkansas took part in Operation Desert Strike. Shortly after this operation, the ship was decommissioned from active service in 1998.