[2] On 12 October 2016, USS Mason (DDG-87) was targeted by missiles fired from Yemeni territory while operating in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.

[2] The Mk 41 VLS adopts modular design concept, which result in different versions that vary in size and weight due to different "canisters" in various modules.

[2] Ticonderoga cruisers and Arleigh Burke destroyers up to DDG-78 have a Strikedown module fore and aft, which consists of five cells and a collapsible crane for assisting with replenishment at sea.

As replenishment of large missiles at sea was later seen as impractical and dangerous, Strikedown modules fell out of use on newer ships.

[2] The Mk 41 is capable of firing the following missiles (height and pack count indicated where possible):[6][2][7][5] The Mk 57 Peripheral Vertical Launch System (PVLS) used on the Zumwalt-class destroyers is composed of much larger VLS cells capable of venting much larger volume and mass of exhaust gasses (mass flow rate), but is an evolution of the smaller unarmored Mk 56 VLS.

Elimination of the water deluge system significantly reduces maintenance and personnel requirements, and protects against accidental missile wet-down.