Three of the four ships were authorized as guided missile frigates (pre- 1975 definition) and redesignated as cruisers either before commissioning or before launch; the last, "Arkansas," was authorized, laid down, launched and commissioned as a guided missile cruiser.
Three of the four "Virginia"-class ships were authorized as guided missile frigates (in the pre- 1975 definition) and they were redesignated as cruisers either before commissioning or before their launching. The last shipt, the USS "Arkansas," was authorized, laid down, launched, and commissioned as a guided-missile cruiser.