The Arleigh Burke-class vessels are equipped with launch tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and gun placements for close combat.

BBC: News | In Depth | Military Fact Files

The most competitive boats are the so-called meter classes, built according to a rule that sets the rough dimensions for vessels of each class.

FORBES: Old Gaffers

They also converted the first four vessels in the class to cruise-missile launchers with no nuclear role after the Cold War ended, which is why there are only 14 Ohios carrying ballistic missiles today rather than the 18 that were built.

FORBES: The Submarine That Might Save America

The US Navy has expanded the role of its destroyers and the Arleigh Burke-class of vessels is designed to launch simultaneous attacks against targets on land, in the air, at sea and below it.

BBC: News | In Depth | Military Fact Files

Less than a year after the White Star Line-owned vessels left the city, the Nomadic was employed to transport first and second class passengers from the French port of Cherbourg to the Titanic ahead of its ill-fated maiden Atlantic voyage.

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