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Virginia Class guided missile cruisers (originally classified as DLGN) were equipped to fulfill multiple tasks in all warfare areas. They were equipped with:
1) 2 twin missile launchers for AAW, ASROC  capable;
2) two 5" guns for AAW and ASUW;
3) two triple torpedo launchers for ASW; and
4) one LAMPS helicopter for ASW.

Two pressurized nuclear reactors were capable of propelling the ship in excess of 30 knots, providing the endurance and capability to operate with other conventional and nuclear ships over extended periods of time and great distances.

During the 1980s the ships were outfitted with the Tomahawk Cruise Missile System, the Standard SM2(MR) Missile System, and the AN/SPS-49 Air Search Radar.

Planned Refueling Complex Overhauls were canceled in the early 1990s due to the expense of maintaining the nuclear propulsion components, and the ships were all decommissioned after a relatively brief period of service averaging somewhat less than two decades. Thus CGN-41 USS Arkansas, which was the last ship in the class and was commissioned in 1980 with a life expectancy of 38 years, was retired in 1997 after only half that period in service.