Difference between revisions of "USS Columbia"

Revision as of 22:31, 22 February 2025

"Audentes fortuna juvat - Fortune favors the bold."

—Vergil- Ship's Dedication Quote

USS Columbia (NCC-76991) is a Galaxy-class explorer assigned to the Fourth Fleet's Task Force 17, under the command of Captain Thalek th'Zorati. Having had a long, illustrious career, whether serving on the front lines of every major conflict since her construction or on the very frontier of explored space, Columbia is, to this day, one of the most prestigious assignments in the fleet.

One of the six Galaxy-class spaceframes constructed but not fully assembled during the initial production run of the class, Columbia was held in reserve for either a time of great need or to replace one of the original six production units. She ended up doing both, as her completion was ordered following the destruction of the USS Odyssey in the early 2370s. By the time the Dominion War broke out, her core systems, such as engines and weapons, were ready, but she was launched without the vast majority of her science labs and crew support systems. After serving as a battleship for the duration of the war, playing a crucial role in several key engagements, Columbia returned to dock in 2376 and was brought up to current exploratory standards. She entered service again in 2377 and has been a mainstay of the Fourth Fleet's exploratory arm since.

As of 2402, Columbia has been refit twice and remains a preeminent Starfleet exploratory platform.

Design and Layout

Main Bridge; command center for the USS Columbia

Consisting of an amalgamation of successful features from the Galaxy and Sovereign bridge modules of the 2360s and 70s, Columbia has been refit with one of the more unique bridge modules in the fleet. Importantly, it makes the most of a variety of technological advancements, such as holoprojectors, holographic communications, in-built weapons lockers and three-dimensional computer displays wherever logically possible.

A unique design feature of the Columbia bridge module is the desire to have as many stations as possible facing a single focal point at the heart of the command center. This focal point is the United Federation of Planets logo proudly displayed on the carpeted deck plating, but this is not for purely decorative reasons. The logo actually serves as a holo-communications platform at the center of the bridge, making the most of innovative enhancements to display holoprojections from the LCARS database and holographic figures of people from lightyears away. Surrounding the holo-platform is the standard tri-seat command pit, with seats for the Captain, Executive Officer (starboard) and a third seat (port) reserved for any official or dignitary permitted on the bridge. Each seat has independent computer controls allowing access to a variety of ship systems.

Forward view, including holocommunications platform

Directly port and starboard of the command chairs are the inward-facing duty stations for tactical operations (port) and science (starboard). On the perimeter there are countless other additional stations designed to support mission operations. Behind the main science station on the starboard bulkhead, additional science and medical consoles are available, as well as access to life support. Adjacent to them on the starboard bulkhead, strategic operations, intelligence and security deployment stations are the focus. Directly behind the command chairs is a large console entirely configurable for the needs of any department, but with dedicated access to engineering functions if required, allowing the Chief Engineer (or any assigned officer) unparalleled access to engineering systems outside of the engineering bay itself. On the aft bulkhead, the obligatory Master Systems Display (MSD) serves as a fully customisable display, capable of hundreds of functions, including operating as a reduced viewscreen for mission operations.

Directly ahead of the command pit, at the bottom of the ramp and between the commanding officer and the holographic viewscreen, two curved consoles serve as duty stations for Operations (port) and Flight Operations (starboard).

Main bridge under red alert conditions

Around the command center, four doors provide access to and from the bridge. On the forward port bulkhead, access is available to the commanding officer's ready room, and adjacent to it, the observation lounge and strategic operations suite. Aft of the bridge, both doors provide access to turbo lifts which enable the crew to access the command center from the rest of the bridge. Either may be overridden for priority access to key locations around the ship.

Most notably, and a further move away from more recent trends, the bridge module is very well-lit, with the colours and tones in the room complimenting each other nicely and creating a warm aesthetic that is pleasing on the eye. During red alert, however, the bridge lights are dimmed and largely replaced by dozens of strip lights (visible along the floor and walls) that flash five times at the initial call for red alert, and then remain stationary until the alert is cancelled.

LCARS Database Articles

Main Article: Galaxy-class Explorer
Main Article: Auxiliary craft assigned to Columbia
Main Article: A complete listing of all decks on Columbia
Main Article: A tour of key facilities around Columbia

Commanding Officer Lineage

Notable commanding officers, past and present, include:

2400 - 2400: Captain Noah Armstrong
2400 - 2402: Captain Romen Corbin
2402 - Present: Captain Kelvan Vos

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 | destroyed =
 | unit =
-| taskforce =Task Force 21
+| taskforce =Task Force 17
-| taskgroup =Task Group 192
+| taskgroup =Task Group 9
 | division = Columbia Division
 | squadron =
@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 | homeport =
 | role =
-| co = [[bfms char:106407|Captain Kelvan Vos]]
+| co = [[bfms char:145797|Captain Thalek th'Zorati]]
-| xo = [[bfms char:47170|Commander Maddison Burton]]
+| xo = [[bfms char:43421|Commander Noli Auru]]
 | dedication = [[file:ColumbiaPlaque.png]]
 }}
 {{quote|Audentes fortuna juvat - Fortune favors the bold.|'''Vergil- ''Ship's Dedication Quote'''''}}
-'''USS ''Columbia'' (NCC-76991)''' is a [[Galaxy Class|''Galaxy-''class]] explorer assigned to the [[Fourth Fleet]]. The ''Columbia'' has had a long, illustrious career serving Starfleet and is deemed one of the finest postings to be assigned.
+'''USS ''Columbia'' (NCC-76991)''' is a [[Galaxy Class|''Galaxy-''class]] explorer assigned to the [[Fourth Fleet]]'s [[Task Force 17]], under the command of [[bfms char:145797|Captain Thalek th'Zorati]]. Having had a long, illustrious career, whether serving on the front lines of every major conflict since her construction or on the very frontier of explored space, ''Columbia'' is, to this day, one of the most prestigious assignments in the fleet.
-==Design and Layout==
+One of the six ''Galaxy''-class spaceframes constructed but not fully assembled during the initial production run of the class, ''Columbia'' was held in reserve for either a time of great need or to replace one of the original six production units. She ended up doing both, as her completion was ordered following the destruction of the USS ''Odyssey'' in the early 2370s. By the time the Dominion War broke out, her core systems, such as engines and weapons, were ready, but she was launched without the vast majority of her science labs and crew support systems. After serving as a battleship for the duration of the war, playing a crucial role in several key engagements, ''Columbia'' returned to dock in 2376 and was brought up to current exploratory standards. She entered service again in 2377 and has been a mainstay of the [[Fourth Fleet]]'s exploratory arm since.
-As one of the original six ''Galaxy''-class ships that Starfleet ordered to be built, the  ''Columbia'' retains some of its original appearance. Being one of Starfleet’s premier explorers, the ''Columbia'' has done well after almost three decades of service to keep up with the other newer explorers.
-===Shipboard Life ===
+As of 2402, ''Columbia'' has been refit twice and remains a preeminent Starfleet exploratory platform.
-====Shift Duty====
-The ''Columbia'' runs on a four-shift rotation across a twenty-four-hour day. Alpha Shift ran from 0800 hours to 1400 hrs. Beta Shift ran from 1400hrs to 2000hrs. Gamma Shift starts at 2000 to 0100 hours, while Delta Shift commences at 0100 hours and finishes at 0800 hours.
-====Bridge, Deck One====
-[[File:Columbia-bridge.jpg|300px|thumb|right|USS ''Columbia's'' bridge in 2400]] Through the years, the ''Columbia'' has received significant improvements through refits and maintenance; one area that has changed is its bridge. All stations are equipped with holographic interface technology to assist the crewmembers operating them if needed.
-In the centre of the bridge is the command pit, where the chair for the captain, first officer and another senior officer are located. The command pit is surrounded by a long wooden handrail that houses the security and tactical stations. The operations and helm consoles are right before the command pit.  From starboard to port along the aft bulkhead, include the consoles for Mission Ops I, the MSD and Mission Ops II. The science stations are located on the starboard side of the bridge, while the opposite side is designated for communications and engineering.
+==Design and Layout==
+[[File:Proxima1.jpg|right|thumb|Main Bridge; command center for the USS ''Columbia'']]
-The aft alcove to the port side of the bridge includes two doors. One is used for turbolift access, while the other is access to bathroom facilities. In the aft alcove to the starboard side is a door leading down the corridor towards the observation lounge and another for the second turbolift. In the forward starboard alcove, one entry gives access to the emergency turbolift to the battle bridge, while on the opposite side, it gives access to the captain’s ready room.
+Consisting of an amalgamation of successful features from the [[Galaxy Class|Galaxy]] and [[Sovereign Class|Sovereign]] bridge modules of the 2360s and 70s, ''Columbia'' has been refit with one of the more unique bridge modules in the fleet. Importantly, it makes the most of a variety of technological advancements, such as holoprojectors, holographic communications, in-built weapons lockers and three-dimensional computer displays wherever logically possible.
-====Observation Lounge, Deck One====
-[[File:Columbia-observation lounge conference.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Observation Lounge in 2400]] The observation lounge is situated at the back of the main bridge and is typically utilised as a conference room. Its noteworthy feature is the sizable windows that face aft, providing a breathtaking view of the ''Columbia'' from behind. Along the main wall are glass cabinets showcasing models of previous starships named ''Columbia'' made of gold. The middle of the bulkhead is where the computer terminals are located, which present data and information during briefings. The conference table, with seating for ten people, is the room's focal point. There are two doors at either end of the room and replicators.
-====The Ready Room, Deck One ====
-[[File:Columbia-ready-room.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The Captain's Ready Room]] The Captain’s Ready Room is where the commanding officer works in private or holds meetings with a few crew members. They keep a few personal items here, but it can also be used by other senior officers in charge of the bridge in his absence.
-====Main Engineering, Deck Thirty-Six====
-[[File:Columbia Main Engineering.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Main Engineering, c.2400]]Main Engineering is the heart of the ship. This is where most of the systems are maintained and is the home to the warp core. Most command functions are accessed in the centre of Engineering via the ‘pool table’. Holographic projectors are used in this room to show the status of a variety of the ship’s systems.
-==== Transporter Rooms====
-[[File:Columbia transporter room.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The standard layout of all transporter rooms]]
-One of the main forms of transport to and from the ship. The transporter rooms are usually where an away mission starts. Here away, teams will find equipment lockers outfitted with the latest devices, tools and resources needed to complete their objectives. The ''Columbia'' has at least twenty transporter rooms.
-====Sickbay, Deck 12====
-[[File:Columbia Sickbay.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Sickbay, c.2400]]
-''Columbia’s'' medical facilities are vast. Though the sickbay is large, this does not include the numerous wards and labs available to the ship’s doctors. The vessel has a suite of EMHs that can be used across the ship at any time during a crisis.
-====Ten Forward, Deck 10====
-[[File:ColumbiaTenForward.png|300px|thumb|right|Ten Forward, c.2400]] Ten Forward is the main area for socialising with other crewmembers. This is where most of the crew relax and unwind off duty. Ten Forward is operated by a Lanthanite woman named Marlagretta. She is always mixing new drinks for anyone to try and is happy to give anyone some wisdom.
-====Lower Decks Social Space====
-[[File:Columbia-LD-Bar.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The Lower Decks Bar]]Though Ten Forward is open to all staff, there is a large social space and bar primarily set aside for the lower deck crewmembers of the ship. This space acts as the primary cantina for the lower-ranked crew and a social area with a bar.
-==== Arboretum, Hydroponics and Labs ====
-[[File:ColumbiaArboretum1.png|300px|thumb|right|The Arboretum]] Primarily used by the crew for relaxation and as an escape from the endless corridors of the ship, it is where people often feel like they can forget they are on board a Starship. The arboretum contains trees and plants from multiple planets access the federation along with a set of pathways that meander between them and the small streams and ponds.
-The main arboretum is three decks high to allow for the growth of large trees. The lower deck provides entrance to the main level and walking pathways while the second level provides access to the Terrace  which encircles the arboretum.  The three floor, at which is at canopy level, has a small lounge with comfortable chairs and sofas and café facilities for crew and passengers to relax. There is a small staircase within the arboretum that connects each level. The head arborist oversees these facilities.
-Associated with the arboretum is a large hydroponics complex which produces a significant amount of fruit and vegetables from all over the Federation that is used onboard the ship to give a slight taste of home.
-The ship's primary botany labs are located next to these facilities used to study alien plant life.
-====Cetacean Ops - Deck 13 and 14====
-The primary cetacean ops facilities and cetacean lifeboats are located on deck 13, with the primary navigation labs linked to them extending to deck 14. These facilities and associated crew are responsible for the ship's navigation. The facility contains a large aquarium spanning the two decks. The main aquariums are linked by large connecting tunnels, which provide access to critical systems. Lessons were learned in the 2380' following the incident with the ''Cerritos'' which meant all access panels within Cetacean ops are accessible by the cetaceans.
-Several Bottlenose dolphins and Beluga whales operate the facility.
-====Security Office and Brig====
-[[File:Columbia-brig.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Brig]]
-Located on deck 21, the security office contains the office of the Chief of Security and is a station to allow the ship's security personnel to monitor internal sensors. Linked to the facility is the ship's brig, which has six separate cells, as well as the vessel’s main armoury
-Upon entry, visitors will encounter the main security desk, manned around the clock, along with several other security personnel throughout the office.
+A unique design feature of the ''Columbia'' bridge module is the desire to have as many stations as possible facing a single focal point at the heart of the command center. This focal point is the United Federation of Planets logo proudly displayed on the carpeted deck plating, but this is not for purely decorative reasons. The logo actually serves as a holo-communications platform at the center of the bridge, making the most of innovative enhancements to display holoprojections from the LCARS database and holographic figures of people from lightyears away. Surrounding the holo-platform is the standard tri-seat command pit, with seats for the Captain, Executive Officer (starboard) and a third seat (port) reserved for any official or dignitary permitted on the bridge. Each seat has independent computer controls allowing access to a variety of ship systems.
-=====Crew Quarters=====
+[[File:Proxima2.jpg|left|thumb|Forward view, including holocommunications platform]]
-[[File:ColumbiaQuarters1.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Junior Officer's Quarters Layout 1]]
+Directly port and starboard of the command chairs are the inward-facing duty stations for tactical operations (port) and science (starboard). On the perimeter there are countless other additional stations designed to support mission operations. Behind the main science station on the starboard bulkhead, additional science and medical consoles are available, as well as access to life support. Adjacent to them on the starboard bulkhead, strategic operations, intelligence and security deployment stations are the focus. Directly behind the command chairs is a large console entirely configurable for the needs of any department, but with dedicated access to engineering functions if required, allowing the Chief Engineer (or any assigned officer) unparalleled access to engineering systems outside of the engineering bay itself. On the aft bulkhead, the obligatory Master Systems Display (MSD) serves as a fully customisable display, capable of hundreds of functions, including operating as a reduced viewscreen for mission operations.
-[[File:ColumbiaQuarters2.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Junior Officer's Quarters Layout 2]]
-[[File:ColumbiaQuarters3.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Shared Junior Officer's Quarters Layout 3]]
-[[File:Columbia-LDBunkHallway.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Lower Deck Bunk Hallway]]
-The ship’s living quarters come in various sizes for those with a higher rank above lieutenant commander (most of them are on the ship's edge). Those ranked Ensign have access to smaller standard-size quarters that rarely have a window. They come with a bed, a replicator, a bathroom, and a small living space. Some ensigns and other junior members share rooms too.
-Alongside this, the ''Columbia'' has several bunkroom corridors for those junior officers new to the ship. During the Dominion War, these hallways were used to transport troops to and from the frontlines.
+Directly ahead of the command pit, at the bottom of the ramp and between the commanding officer and the holographic viewscreen, two curved consoles serve as duty stations for Operations (port) and Flight Operations (starboard).
+[[File:Proxima3.jpg|right|thumb|Main bridge under red alert conditions]]
+Around the command center, four doors provide access to and from the bridge. On the forward port bulkhead, access is available to the commanding officer's ready room, and adjacent to it, the observation lounge and strategic operations suite. Aft of the bridge, both doors provide access to turbo lifts which enable the crew to access the command center from the rest of the bridge. Either may be overridden for priority access to key locations around the ship.
-====Gymnasium and Pool====
+Most notably, and a further move away from more recent trends, the bridge module is very well-lit, with the colours and tones in the room complimenting each other nicely and creating a warm aesthetic that is pleasing on the eye. During red alert, however, the bridge lights are dimmed and largely replaced by dozens of strip lights (visible along the floor and walls) that flash five times at the initial call for red alert, and then remain stationary until the alert is cancelled.
-The ''Columbia'' contains several gymnasiums and recreational facilities. One of the largest is located near the lower deck bunk halls and quarters. Officers and passengers are often found around the clock in these facilities blowing off steam and working to maintain their shape. The facility itself contains a large (mixed) changing room with lockers. From here officers and crew have access to the aquatic facilities, gymnasium,  and sonic showers (think ST-LD S2E2).
-The gym, off to the right of the changing room, contains a variety of workout machines, free-weights, several open training rooms and sparring rings. The idea is that officers and crew can have access to whatever they need to when on site. A large replicator can be used to create items that are not already present with the understanding that they be recycled once used. Several officers  run classes such as yoga, boxing, etc on their own time here.
-The pool, off to the left of the changing room, contains a large pool about 2 meters deep for lane swimming. Adjacent to this and connected directly to the gym is a set of jacuzzi tubes, ice baths and a large sauna. The on wall of the pool is covered with exterior windows giving swimmers a view space beyond.
+==LCARS Database Articles==
+*''Main Article: [[Galaxy Class|Galaxy-class Explorer]]''
+*''Main Article: [[User:Kai1701E/Columbia/Auxiliary Craft|Auxiliary craft assigned to ''Columbia'']]
+*''Main Article: [[User:Kai1701E/Columbia/Deck_Listing|A complete listing of all decks on ''Columbia'']]
+*''Main Article: [[User:Kai1701E/Columbia/Tour|A tour of key facilities around ''Columbia'']]
-*
-==History==
-The ''Columbia'' was one of the six ''Galaxy''-class spaceframes constructed but not fully assembled during the initial production run of the class, held in reserve for either a time of great need or to replace one of the original six production units. ''Columbia'' ended up doing both, as her completion and fitting out were ordered following the destruction of the USS ''Odyssey''. By the time the Dominion War broke out, her core systems such as engines and weapons were ready, but she was launched without the vast majority of her labs and crew support systems. After serving as a battleship for the duration of the war, ''Columbia'' returned to dock in 2376 and was brought up to current exploratory standards.
-As of 2400, ''Columbia'' has been refit twice and remains a preeminent Starfleet exploratory platform.
+<!-- Please do not delete the Notable Crew section as it is used for history tracking of the command -->
-====Notable Crew====
+==Commanding Officer Lineage==
-===== Former Commanding Officers=====
+Notable commanding officers, past and present, include:
 *2400 - 2400: [[bfms_char:44744|Captain Noah Armstrong]]
 *2400 - 2402: Captain Romen Corbin