Task Force 21 is a forward-deployed unit of the Fourth Fleet assigned to frontier exploration and colonial support operations. Specifically, Task Force 21 surveys regions of space close to Federation territory to identify sites for new colonies, outposts, and resourcing operations, while also identifying and mitigating threats to the Federation's most distant and vulnerable assets.

Objectives

Defend Federation and unaffiliated planets on the frontier from potential aggressors.
Expand the Federation’s diplomatic reach to secure additional allies, protectorates, and member worlds near the frontier.
Reinforce and construct additional stations, starbases, outposts, and other defensive assets along the border to secure the Federation’s interests.
Promote peaceful scientific exploration in the areas within and beyond Federation space.

Overview

Tasked as serving as a bulwark between the Federation and hostile actors, Task Force 21 has been charged with defending the Federation’s frontier borders with powers such as the Gorn Hegemony and Breen Confederacy in order to secure strategically-important systems and to put a stop to the ongoing raids against neutral worlds in these regions. Through diplomacy, innovation, and exploration, Task Force 21 strives to expand Federation influence and bring stability to volatile regions plagued by violence, despair, and chaos.

Where there has only been aggression, the Federation seeks to bear the olive branch and bring new worlds into the fold.

Where there has been only neglect, the Starfleet Corps of Engineers is building new border outposts and sophisticated defenses.

Where there has been only ignorance, Starfleet Science will shine a light on the mysteries of the Ionite Nebula and the unclaimed space beyond the border.

Task Force 21 exists to protect the innocent and ensure a bright new future for the Federation as it expands into frontier territories.

Task Force Assets & Headquarters

Task Force 21 is headquartered at Starbase 21 near Izar, in the Deneb Sector, which allows the Task Force to rapidly deploy assets to any colonies in the area to assist efforts. Additionally, Starbase 611 in orbit of Cestus III falls under the purview of Task Force 21 as a hub of colonization efforts on that side of Federation space. In addition, Task Force 21 deploys many ships that are tasked with the reinforcement, protection, and supply of new and developing colonies all over Federation space.

Task Force Headquarters

TFHQ assets are NPC ships and stations, to be freely used by TF members in accordance with this guidance.

USS Emden, a Constitution III-class explorer and the Task Force flagship
Starbase 21, a Unity-class station and the Task Force headquarters
- USS Americana, an Akira-class heavy cruiser
- USS Cobb, a Reliant-class frigate
Starbase 611, a Jupiter-class station
- USS Highlander, a Nebula-class exploratory cruiser
- USS Hopkins, an Olympic-class research cruiser
- USS Atascadero, a California-class utility cruiser

Task Group 97

Task Group 192

Task Force History

Task Force 21 began its reformation in the days after the truth behind the Attack on Mars came to light. With the Federation pushing outwards once again for the first time in over a decade, Task Force 21 was given a simple mandate to assist the Fourth Fleet in expansion operations near the frontiers. As the Task Force began to coalesce, Starfleet was hit with another tragedy in Frontier Day. As Starfleet picked up the pieces, the frontier became more important than ever to the Federation and its outward expansion by colonizing new worlds near its borders. Task Force 21 was deployed at the end of 2401 in order to help secure the hopeful future for the Federation.

Command History

Since its reconstitution in 2401, there has been one commander of Task Force 21. A full list is available.

Rear Admiral Viran, Stardates 2401.11