USS Columbia: Difference between revisions

Named for the first NASA space shuttle to be launched into Earth orbit, the '''USS ''Columbia''''' (NCC-85279) is a {{c|Nebula}} Long Term Deep Space Exploration & Reconnaissance Explorer. It is presently assigned to the distant [[Sagittarius Reach]] along the galactic edge and is under the command of Captain [[Theo Whittaker]]. Lieutenant Commander [[Jarred Thoran]] serves as it’s Executive Officer.

Originally launched in 2382 as part of a Starfleet initiative to return to the peaceful exploration of space after over a decade of strife with the Borg, the [[Dominion]] and other external threats, the ''Columbia'' was originally assigned to explore the Gamma Quadrant before it was reassigned to [[StarBase 118]] as it’s primary support vessel, where it remained in service until 2390 when it was severely damaged during the course of an assignment and put into drydock for extensive repairs in refits.

These repairs and refits were completed by mid-2391 and command was given to Captain [[Ben Livingston|Benjamin Livingston]]. Assigned to the Trinity-Serellan Defence Fleet, ''Columbia'' sported a new bridge module, enhanced sensor capabilities, additional support craft and other system upgrades. By 2392, command of the ''Columbia'' had passed to Commander [[Brek]] before the vessel was ordered to return to [[Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards|Utopia Planitia]] for further upgrades and testing at the end of the year.

In September 2393, the 'Columbia' was once again reassigned to [[StarBase 118]] as the primary support vessel for the Trojan-II class space station and placed under the captaincy of [[Sal Taybrim]] where it served for over a year with distinction, seeing action against the resurgent forces of the Orion Syndicate in the Trinity Sector. In the December of 2394, the vessel was seconded to the [[Andaris Task Force]] and upon arrival at [[Deep Space 26]] ordered to undergo its most extensive refits yet.

Work on the ship continued until mid-2395 when it was placed into active service once again and assigned to the [[Sagittarius Reach]] on a mission of long term space exploration under the command of Captain [[Theo Whittaker|Whittaker]]. ''Columbia'' now features an entirely new bridge module and Captain’s Yacht, an uprated propulsion system that allows it to reach a maximum speed of Warp 9.9, a state-of-the-art sensor suite based off of those found aboard {{C|Luna}} starships, cutting edge medical facilities and- perhaps most importantly- greatly expanded scientific facilities and laboratories. These additions and upgrades allow the ''Columbia'' to operate independent of Starfleet facilities and outposts for up to five years.