The Virginia-class (CGN-38) was a class of four nuclear-powered guided missile cruisers built for the U.S. Navy between the 1970s and 1980s. Designed for high-end fleet air defense and surface warfare, these ships were armed with SM-2 Standard missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, ASROC, and Tomahawk cruise missiles (added later in their service life). They featured a dual-reactor propulsion system, giving them virtually unlimited range and high endurance, making them ideal for carrier battle group escort and long-range operations.Despite their advanced capabilities, the Virginia-class was decommissioned in the 1990s due to the high cost of maintaining their nuclear reactors compared to conventionally powered alternatives. Their early retirement marked the end of nuclear-powered cruisers in the U.S. fleet.