The USS Kearsarge (NCC-57566) was a Federation Challenger-class light cruiser that saw service with the Federation Starfleet during the 24th century. (Star Trek Encyclopedia; Ship Recognition Manual, Volume 1: The Ships of Starfleet) In 2373, the Armstrong was attacked by a Klingon assault group during the brief Second Federation-Klingon War. (DS9: "Apocalypse Rising")