USS Charleston
USS Charleston NCC-97406 is a Echelon-class Federation starship currently assigned to Fourth Fleet's Task Force 93. Under the command of Captain Thomas Jones, the Charleston is a rapid response vessel that also provides logistical support for ships during humanitarian missions.
Mission Parameters
The Charleston provides logistical support to other ships during humanitarian efforts in any situation. The Charleston can replicate any necessary parts for engineering issues for both starships and colonies needing equipment repaired. What they can’t replicate, they transport the required parts. During situations where evacuating a colony is necessary, Charleston can take on 10,000 evacuees in an emergency capacity. The Charleston can also be used as a first responder during medical emergencies, even though they are not hospital ships, where they can stabilize patients while setting up field hospitals or waiting for hospital ships to arrive on the scene. Due to their higher speed, the Charleston can also serve as an ambulance ship, transporting the more critical care patients to a nearby hospital starbase.
Service History
The Charleston is a newer ship commissioned in 2397 from Devron Fleet Yards. In 2399, Charleston was dispatched to the Archanis sector, where the Hunters of D’Ghor began raids. She was sent as a first responder to colonies needing medical assistance and would render aid until a hospital ship arrived to take over. Then, in 2400, the Century Storm began to wreak havoc in the Paulson Nebula, and the Charleston was dispatched to help evacuate colonies that would be directly affected by the storm. At the beginning of 2401, the once-thought-lost Lost Fleet launched an attack on the Federation aided by the Breen. The Charleston would be dispatched to worlds that needed humanitarian aid, helping with relief efforts.
Design and Layout
The Echelon-class starships are quite similar to the Sagan-class starships, though with significant differences, making this class great for engineering and humanitarian support missions. Charleston has three hanger bays on the stern and a fourth that is connected to a staging area located behind the bridge. These same hanger bays are also interconnected with the ship's cargo bays. The Echelon also carries industrial replicators, allowing Charleston to quickly produce anything needed for humanitarian relief, such as food, water, and even portable shelters for emergencies. These same replicators can also replicate parts necessary for any engineering problems. The Charleston is also equipped with a rather large sickbay complex that has direct access to the ship's multiple shuttle bays as well as a dedicated evacuation transporter.
Crew of the Charleston
Captain Thomas Jones
Thomas Jones is a human man in his late thirties who is relatively new to the command chair. He spent most of his career as a medical doctor before deciding to move up and further his career. Jones has a no-nonsense personality, is blunt, and is to the point. He is not afraid to say what is on his mind, not caring if it is warranted. He tends to be calm and collected during tense situations, working with those under him for a common goal.
Commander Renee Carmichael
Renee Carmichael is a tactically oriented human woman in her early thirties. She can analyze different situations to predict how any situation can turn out and come up with solutions. However, she can adjust those solutions depending on various conditions. Those under her leadership respect her and can easily make friends. However, she can be stern when needed and has a command presence.
In Play
- The Charleston is a Task Unit Asset, and any member of Task Force 93 can be featured in its stories.
- The Charleston provides logistical support for ships during engineering and humanitarian missions.
- They can respond as a first responder for medical emergencies while waiting for a hospital ship to arrive on the scene.
- The Charleston can also serve as an ambulance vessel, transporting the more critical patients back to hospital starbase facilities.
- They are also capable of evacuating colonies if a need arises.