The Uss Little Rock (CLG-4) stands as a testament to naval adaptability, transitioning from a light cruiser to a guided missile cruiser, and ultimately serving as a flagship. Her journey began at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, N.J., where on January 13, 1957, she arrived to undergo a significant transformation. Conversion work commenced on January 30, 1957, marking the start of her evolution into a modern naval vessel. The formal redesignation from CL-92 to CLG-4 took effect on May 23, 1957, officially recognizing her new role and capabilities.
The conversion dramatically altered the USS Little Rock (CLG-4). Upon completion, she boasted a full-load displacement of 15,142 tons and was meticulously configured to serve as a fleet flagship. While her original gun director systems remained, the cruiser was equipped with an array of cutting-edge weapon control systems and radars to manage her newly installed missile battery. This modernization reflected the evolving nature of naval warfare and the increasing importance of guided missiles.
Following her extensive conversion, the USS Little Rock (CLG-4) was delivered to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard on May 6, 1960. She was formally commissioned on June 3, 1960, marking her official entry into active service as a guided missile light cruiser. Philadelphia remained her home for post-commissioning outfitting until July 25, 1960, when she set sail for qualification and sea trials off the Virginia coast. Her readiness trials complete, USS Little Rock (CLG-4) journeyed to Norfolk, arriving on January 4, 1961. Rear Adm. James W. Davis, Commander, Cruiser Division Four, boarded upon her arrival, designating her as the flagship of Cruiser Division Four (CruDiv4). In her flagship role, USS Little Rock (CLG-4) departed Norfolk on January 9, 1961, to participate in Atlantic Fleet Exercise l-61, a major naval exercise that ran until January 20. Afterward, she returned to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard to prepare for a significant deployment with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.
Years later, on January 1, 1969, USS Little Rock (CLG-4) was still serving diligently in her homeport. On January 4, 1969, she departed Gaeta, Italy, to provide crucial support for amphibious assault and live firing exercises, PHIBLEX l0-68, at Porto Scudo and Capo Teulada, Sardinia. These exercises, conducted from January 5-7 in the Tyrrhenian Sea, involved opposed transit to the objective area, testing the readiness and capability of participating forces. USS Little Rock (CLG-4) returned to her homeport on March 11, 1969, before departing again on March 18 for Villefranche, France, arriving on March 20. Her Mediterranean deployments continued, with a return to Gaeta (March 24-25), followed by a voyage to Trieste, Italy, arriving on April 1, after conducting training exercises en route.
In 1972, USS Little Rock (CLG-4) resumed active operations on June 21, setting course for a port visit to New York (June 23-25). This was followed by ammunition loading at Yorktown (June 27) and a period in port at Norfolk into July. By New Year’s Day 1975, USS Little Rock (CLG-4) was still in port, remaining there until January 15 before sailing to Palermo, Italy (January 16-19) to commence her annual Western Mediterranean cruise. A significant administrative change occurred on July 1, when USS Little Rock (CLG-4)’s designation was updated to CG-4 as part of a navy-wide re-classification of naval vessels. Departing on July 4, the cruiser reached Port Said, Egypt, on July 5, becoming the sole U.S. Navy vessel present at the historic reopening of the Suez Canal. This followed extensive efforts by Sixth Fleet ships to clear mines and debris left from the 1967 and 1973 Arab-Israeli wars, highlighting the USS Little Rock (CG-4)’s presence at a pivotal geopolitical event.
Ultimately decommissioned and removed from the Naval Vessel Register on November 22, 1976, the USS Little Rock (CG-4) found a new purpose as a museum ship. She was donated to the Buffalo Naval and Servicemen’s Park, later renamed the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, in Buffalo, N.Y. Today, USS Little Rock stands as a preserved piece of naval history, allowing visitors to explore her decks and learn about her distinguished service as a guided missile cruiser and flagship, a tangible link to the Cold War era navy.
For those interested in a comprehensive account of her service history, the DANFS page offers an invaluable resource.
