Bravo Fleet
Difference between pages "USS Columbia" and "Task Force 17"

Difference between pages "USS Columbia" and "Task Force 17"

From Bravo Fleet
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''<small>For information on joining the USS Colimbia sandbox, consult the [[Guide:USS Columbia|USS Columbia Guide]].</small>''
{{icons|bfc}}{{Task Force
{{Starship
| name = Task Force 17
| name = Columbia
| seal = [[Image:TF17Seal.png]]
| prefix = USS
| mandate = Deep Space Operations
| image = [[file:ColumbiaGalaxy.jpeg]]
| headquarters = [[Deep Space 17]]
| registry = NCC-76991
| url = [http://www.bravofleet.com/group/task-force-17 Main Website]
| class = Galaxy
| co = [[bfms_char:88217|CAPT Callen Varro]]
| type = Explorer
| xo = Vacant
| affiliation = Starfleet
| logo = [[Image:17-logo.png]]
| status = Active
| commission = 2373
| decommission =
| destroyed =
| unit = Fourth Fleet Expeditionary Group
| taskforce =
| taskgroup =
| squadron =
| mothership =
| homeport =
| role =
| co = Captain
| xo = Commander
| dedication = [[file:ColumbiaPlaque.png]]
}}
}}
{{quote|Audentes fortuna juvat - Fortune favors the bold.|'''Vergil- ''Ship's Dedication Quote'''''}}
'''Task Force 17''' conducts deep space exploratory and diplomatic missions far beyond [[United Federation of Planets|Federation]] borders from its headquarters on the edge of charted space, [[Deep Space 17]]. As the Fourth Fleet unit tasked with long-range missions of discovery, Task Force 17 has ships deployed in such distant corners of the galaxy as the [[:Category:Delta Quadrant|Delta]] and [[:Category:Gamma Quadrant|Gamma]] Quadrants. Starships and crews assigned to this task force are specially equipped and trained to operate with little support from [[Starfleet]] infrastructure.  
'''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.  


==Design and Layout==
==Objectives==
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===
* '''Manage''' the operations of Federation ships far from local space, as well as those isolated in the Delta and Gamma Quadrants.
=====Shift Duty=====
*'''Explore''' deep space beyond Federation territory in the four quadrants.
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.  
*'''Establish''' peaceful relations with native species.
=====Shift Duty In Play=====
*'''Expand''' Federation interests in deep space, including securing friendly trade routes and exchanging in scientific knowledge with other peaceful nations.
* It is improbable that your character would be on the Alpha Shift (this is the one most of the senior staff operate).  
* While on duty (be it Beta, Gamma or Delta), your shift supervisor may be one of the Senior Staff or another higher-ranking officer.  


===Bridge, Deck One===
==Overview==
[[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.
'''To boldly go where no one has gone before''.' These legendary words have long been repeated and paraphrased by successive generations of explorers and scientists seeking to fulfill one of the core mandates of the Federation Starfleet’s philosophy and are etched into the minds of every Starfleet cadet and many Federation citizens. In a time preceded by great galactic strife and conflict, Task Force 17 of the [[Fourth Fleet]] seeks to embody those principles once more as Starfleet recovers from the atrocities and existential threats posed by the Dominion War and the attack on Mars, to once again rediscover its sense of wonderment and exploration, and return to exploring the final frontier.


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.
Armed with the same ethos and mandate that guided the historic ''Constitution''-class vessels and their five-year missions of the twenty-third century, Task Force 17 is committed to exploring the farthest reaches of deep space. With unprecedented access to both the Gamma and Delta Quadrants, Starfleet vessels return to not simply protect citizens and defend against ideological threats, but to seek out new life and new civilisations, in whatever form they may be and wherever they may reside. To this end, Task Force 17 has dispatched a number of starships, manned by intrepid Starfleet officers from across the Federation and beyond, to make this foray into the unknown.


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.  
By nature of the enterprise, Task Force 17 vessels very often find themselves alone, operating far from the vestiges of Federation society or Starfleet support, relying strongly on their guile, character, and one another to survive and flourish in an uncertain and often inhospitable galaxy of unknowns. The voyages of these brave officers will become legendary as they chart new frontiers beyond what is already known by the Federation. Each new discovery will be worthwhile and exciting for generations to come.  
====The Bridge In Play====
* The bridge will be a place only when an ensign needs to cover a station as part of the Beta, Delta and Gamma Shifts.  


==Observation Lounge, Deck One==
==Task Force Assets & Headquarters==
[[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.
While Task Force 17 regularly dispatches starships to deep space assignments far from Starfleet infrastructure, it launches and manages these operations from its headquarters at [[Deep Space 17]] in the [[Typhon Frontier]]. More distant missions are supervised from the flagship, the [[USS Discovery]]. As with other Fourth Fleet task forces, ships operating in other regions rely heavily on local facilities to see to their wide-ranging duties. The other starships of Task Force 17 are divided into two task groups, which share the numbers of the two prior task forces that were merged to create the task force in 2399.  
====The Observation Lounge In Play====
* As an ensign, you would not be invited to a senior staff briefing; however, your department head may call you and others in your division to join them for a briefing (be it for a mission or a regular update).
* You may also receive orders to help clean the Observation Lounge.


===The Ready Room, Deck One===
=== Task Group 9 ===
[[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.
*[[Lakota Squadron]]
====The Ready Room In Play====
**[[USS Lakota|USS ''Lakota'']], an [[Excelsior II Class|''Excelsior II''-class]] heavy cruiser
* This is the captain’s sanctum, so unless you are being spoken to directly by them (or another senior staff member), you will unlikely step foot in here.
**[[USS Buran|USS ''Buran'']], a [[Rhode Island Class|''Rhode Island''-class]] scout
**[[USS Osiris|USS ''Osiris'']], a [[Reliant Class|''Reliant''-class]] frigate
*[https://wiki.bravofleet.com/index.php?title=USS_Io USS ''Io''], a [https://wiki.bravofleet.com/index.php/Luna_Class ''Luna''-class] light explorer
*[[USS Elysion|USS ''Elysion'']], an [[Elysion Class|''Elysion''-class]] light explorer
*[[USS Calistoga|USS ''Calistoga'']], a [[California Class|''California''-class]] utility cruiser
*[[USS Gilroy|USS ''Gilroy'']], a [[California Class|''California''-class]] utility cruiser
*[[USS Paramount|USS ''Paramount'']], a [[California Class|''California''-class]] utility cruiser
*[[USS Santa Monica|USS ''Santa Monica'']], a [[California Class|''California''-class]] utility cruiser
*[https://bravofleet.com/command/73873/ USS ''Cerberus''], a ''[https://wiki.bravofleet.com/index.php/Manticore_Class Manticore-class] heavy escort''


===Main Engineering, Deck Thirty-Six===
=== Task Group 38 ===
[[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.
*[[USS Ahwahnee|USS ''Ahwahnee'']], a [[Cheyenne_Class|''Cheyenne''-class]] light cruiser
====Main Engineering In Play====
*[[USS Babylon|USS ''Babylon'']], a [[Grissom Class|''Grissom''-class]] surveyor
* If you are an engineer, then this is where you may work for most of your shift. If the Chief Engineer is off duty, then one of the shift supervisors will be in charge.
*[[USS Oroville|USS ''Oroville'']], a [[California Class|''California''-class]] utility cruiser
* While on duty in Main Engineering, you may be required to oversee or repair a system's diagnostic.
*[[USS Galahad|USS ''Galahad'']], an [[Intrepid Class|''Intrepid''-class]] light explorer
*[[USS Resolute|USS ''Resolute'']], a [[Rhode Island Class|''Rhode Island''-class]] scout


===Transporter Rooms===
==Task Force History==
[[File:Columbia transporter room.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The standard layout of all transporter rooms]]
Being one of the Fourth Fleet's many exploration arms, primarily focused in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, when Starfleet decided to redeploy the assets from [[Task Force 9]] and Task Force 38 into one centralised task force then Task Force 17 was the logical decision. In 2399, Task Force 17 was handed all of the fourth fleet's deep space exploration assignments and assets. The handover was relatively simple and smooth sailing, but Starfleet was keen to reestablish a long term presence in the Delta Quadrant. When command of the task force was given to Captain (later Commodore) Bennet, the creation of the lead expeditionary group was Starfleet's first step forward in its efforts to return to the Delta Quadrant.  
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.
====The Transporter Room In Play====
* Ensigns going on away missions will meet here and be beamed down by whoever is on duty in the transporter room.  
* If you are an engineer, you may have a shift in one of the transporter rooms. What transporter disasters may you witness?


===Sickbay, Deck 12 ===
=== 2399 ===
[[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.
====Sickbay In Play====
* Ensigns working in the medical department, whether an assistant, nurse, or doctor-in-training, will find themselves here when on duty. Characters will encounter illnesses and injuries and participate in many treatment procedures. You may find yourself with patients who come back more than once.
* As the ship has several EMHs (not Mark Is), what type of personalities might you encounter as one of the medical staff?
===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.


====Ten Forward In Play====
==== Archanis Campaign ====
* Crewmembers can interact with others here over a drink or something to eat.  
On the eve of Bennet's expeditionary group leaving the Alpha Quadrant, the threat of the [[Hunters of D'Ghor]] increased rapidly requiring Starfleet to redeploy elements from the fourth fleet to combat it. As a result the expeditionary group, along with several other ships, were rushed to the area to bolster Starfleet's presence and remove the threat caused by the rogue element from the [[Klingon Empire]]. Task Force 17's mandate quickly changed as it was responsible in securing several systems and the assembly of the Archanis Array. Within a matter of days, the ships (all led by Bennet) completed their initial orders and removed the threat of the Hunters and were successful in bringing the new array online. Along with creating an innovative way of monitoring the Klingon-Federation border, the task force's involvement in the campaign was instrumental in removing key players and ships from the Hunters of D'Ghor's fleet. Days after the campaign was declared a victory by Starfleet, Task Force 17 supported in the rebuilding of several key listening outposts along the border and deployment of orbital weapon platforms. Bennet, was promoted to commodore and ordered to return his exploration fleet back to Federation space so it could start its mission in the Delta Quadrant.  
* Ten Forward normally hosts a weekly social event, be it a musical performance, a themed evening or where a diplomatic event may take place.  
* Marlagretta is the Guinan of the ''Columbia''.


===Lower Decks Social Space===
==== Operation: Delta Expedition ====
[[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.
A month after the Archanis Campaign, Task Force 17's lead expeditionary group began its exploration efforts in the Delta Quadrant. It's first priorities were to explore what happened to the races that ''Voyager'' had left on good terms.
====Lower Decks Social Space In Play====
* Within here, players will find multiple replicators and a bar manned by a bartender who serves beverages from across the Federation and beyond.
* Based on the bar and social space seen in Lower Decks, the crew will often relax and enjoy company with their friends.
* Though primarily visited by ensigns and other low-level crew, it is common for more senior crew members to sometimes be present.


===Arboretum, Hydroponics and Labs===
==== Echoes of the TKon Fleet Action ====
[[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. 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 head arborist oversees these facilities.  
Task Force 17 was instrumental in the Fourth Fleet's [[Echoes of the Tkon|fleet action response to the Echoes of the Tkon crisis]] in 2399 as the unit with the most widely spread starships. The placement of the vessels in this task force allowed the Fourth Fleet to identify sites where the Omega Molecule was emerging so that other vessels could respond and stop the outbreak. The task force was also key to identifying Tkon archaeological sites and other remnants of their technology which allowed the Fourth Fleet to end the crisis by shoring up the Galactic Barrier.


The ship's primary botany labs are located next to these facilities used to study alien plant life.
==== Stormbreaker Campaign ====
====Arboretum and Hydroponics In Play====
While humanitarian efforts were largely carried out by other task forces, Task Force 17 provided reconnaisance and scientific support during the [https://bravofleet.com/mission/46549/ Stormbreaker Campaign] in late 2399. Information provided by starships in this unit were able to gather enough data to allow Starfleet to develop countermeasures for the subspace rifts driving the storm and to predict subspace "weather" patterns well enough to guide aid convoys through the Paulson Nebula.
* Rarely ever empty as crew, passengers and civilians alike often wander along its pathways.


===Cetacean Ops - Deck 13 and 14===
=== 2400 ===
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.


Several Bottlenose dolphins and Beluga whales operate the facility.
==== A New Home ====
====Cetacean Ops In Play====
As research agreements were made with the [[Romulan Free State]] and Starfleet saw fit to launch new missions of exploration in the [[Typhon Frontier]], Task Force 17 undertook rearrangements. No longer making use of the lead expeditionary group, it was headquartered at Deep Space 17 in the Lioh System. From there, it has the freedom to launch missions into the deeper Beta Quadrant as well as the fringes of the Delta Quadrant, and has extensive research opportunities with the [[ma:Typhon Expanse|Typhon Expanse]] fresh on its doorstep.
* Few facilities are above the water to allow non-aquatic crew access to key systems.
* The facility contains several drive suits and rebreathers to allow non-aquatic crew access to the submerged tunnels and passways.
* You may also receive orders to help clean Cetacean Ops; hands are helpful.


=== Security Office and Brig ===
==== Sundered Wings Fleet Action ====
[[File:Columbia-brig.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Brig]]
Along with the rest of the Fourth Fleet, Task Force 17 participated in the fleet action response to the [[Sundered Wings|Sundered Wings Crisis]] in mid-2400. Given the scope of the crisis, Task Force 17 was instrumental in providing real-time data to allow Fourth Fleet Intelligence and Fourth Fleet Operations to prioritize the most important missions within the space of the collapsing Romulan Star Empire.
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.
==== Blood Dilithium Campaign ====
====Security Office and Brig In Play====
In late 2400, Task Force 17 took the lead in the [https://bravofleet.com/mission/64568/ Fourth Fleet's response] to a growing crisis in the Gradin Belt of the Delta Quadrant: the emergence of so-called [[Blood Dilithium|blood dilithium]], which proved to be a serious and immediate threat to life in the region, especially to telepathic life. As the unit with the most experience in the Delta Quadrant, Task Force 17 helped to ensure that the rest of the Fourth Fleet resources being deployed to the region went where they could do the most good.  
* As a security ensign, you will most likely be operating the security desk, which is the main point of contact for any security-related issues.
* If visiting, you will not be able to gain access to anything beyond the front desk unless you have direct orders or are meeting someone.


===Crew Quarters===
=== 2401 ===
[[File:ColumbiaQuarters1.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Junior Officer's Quarters Layout 1]]
[[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.  
==== Lost Fleet Fleet Action ====
In early 2401, Task Force 17 was one of the first Fourth Fleet units on the scene in the Deneb Sector to begin the Fourth Fleet's fleet action response to the [[The Lost Fleet|Lost Fleet]] Crisis, thanks to their headquarters being located at nearby Deep Space 17. Throughout the fleet action, Task Force 17 provided reconnaissance and scientific support to the rest of the fleet.


====Quarters In Play====
==== We are the Borg Fleet Action ====
* As an ensign who has served on the ship for some time, you may have your own small standard-size quarters, or you may have to share with another ensign.
In the mid of 2401, The Federation found itself reeling and wounded following the devastating incident of the [[ma:Frontier_Day|250th Frontier Day]], serving as a stark reminder that although the Borg were not actively engaging, their threat persisted. This reality became even clearer in the subsequent months as the [https://wiki.bravofleet.com/index.php/We_Are_the_Borg Fourth Fleet encountered] numerous Borg incursions and reactivated technology. To address these dire circumstances, several ships from Task Force 17 were dispatched to investigate and provide assistance during these challenging times.
* The larger quarters with big windows and loads of living space are reserved solely for VIPs or other senior members of the crew. Unless you are supporting a VIP, an Ensign will not use them.  
* The Lower Deck style bunkroom hallways allow for closer interaction between characters, especially those who are brand new ensigns to the ship.  


== History ==
=== Command 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.
Since it's reconstitution in 2399, there have been seven commanders of Task Force 17. [https://bravofleet.com/staff_positions/34818/ A full list] including those commanders assigned during Task Force 17's prior history in the 2370s and 2380s is available.


As of 2400, ''Columbia'' has been refit twice and remains a preeminent Starfleet exploratory platform.
* [[bfms_char:29961|Commodore Zach Marshall-Bennet]], Stardates 2399.7 to 2399.11
 
* [[bfms_char:27493|Captain/Fleet Captain Alexandra Sudari-Kravchick]], Stardates 2399.11 to 2400.4
===Notable Crew===
* [[bfms_char:34461|Captain/Fleet Captain Erill'Yun Mek]], Stardates 2400.4 to 2400.12
====Commanding Officers====
* [[bfms_char:47905|Captain Andreus Kohl]], Stardates 2400.12 to 2401.3
*2400 - 2400: [[bfms_char:44744|Captain Noah Armstrong]]
* [[bfms_char:45331|Captain Romaes Anjin]], Stardates 2401.3 to 2401.5
 
* [[bfms_char:15254|Vice Admiral Elizabeth Hayden]], Stardates 2401.5 to 2401.5
{{clear}}
* [[bfms_char:83715|Captain Khim Samnang]], Stardates 2401.5 to 2401.7
* [[bfms_user:2063|Captain Callen Varro]], Stardatess 2401.7 to Present

Revision as of 14:17, 7 March 2024

This article is official Bravo Fleet canon.








TF17Seal.png
Task Force 17
Mandate

Deep Space Operations

Headquarters

Deep Space 17

Leadership
Commander

CAPT Callen Varro

Deputy Commander

Vacant

Links
BFMS

Main Website

17-logo.png
Template:Task Force

Task Force 17 conducts deep space exploratory and diplomatic missions far beyond Federation borders from its headquarters on the edge of charted space, Deep Space 17. As the Fourth Fleet unit tasked with long-range missions of discovery, Task Force 17 has ships deployed in such distant corners of the galaxy as the Delta and Gamma Quadrants. Starships and crews assigned to this task force are specially equipped and trained to operate with little support from Starfleet infrastructure.

Objectives

  • Manage the operations of Federation ships far from local space, as well as those isolated in the Delta and Gamma Quadrants.
  • Explore deep space beyond Federation territory in the four quadrants.
  • Establish peaceful relations with native species.
  • Expand Federation interests in deep space, including securing friendly trade routes and exchanging in scientific knowledge with other peaceful nations.

Overview

'To boldly go where no one has gone before.' These legendary words have long been repeated and paraphrased by successive generations of explorers and scientists seeking to fulfill one of the core mandates of the Federation Starfleet’s philosophy and are etched into the minds of every Starfleet cadet and many Federation citizens. In a time preceded by great galactic strife and conflict, Task Force 17 of the Fourth Fleet seeks to embody those principles once more as Starfleet recovers from the atrocities and existential threats posed by the Dominion War and the attack on Mars, to once again rediscover its sense of wonderment and exploration, and return to exploring the final frontier.

Armed with the same ethos and mandate that guided the historic Constitution-class vessels and their five-year missions of the twenty-third century, Task Force 17 is committed to exploring the farthest reaches of deep space. With unprecedented access to both the Gamma and Delta Quadrants, Starfleet vessels return to not simply protect citizens and defend against ideological threats, but to seek out new life and new civilisations, in whatever form they may be and wherever they may reside. To this end, Task Force 17 has dispatched a number of starships, manned by intrepid Starfleet officers from across the Federation and beyond, to make this foray into the unknown.

By nature of the enterprise, Task Force 17 vessels very often find themselves alone, operating far from the vestiges of Federation society or Starfleet support, relying strongly on their guile, character, and one another to survive and flourish in an uncertain and often inhospitable galaxy of unknowns. The voyages of these brave officers will become legendary as they chart new frontiers beyond what is already known by the Federation. Each new discovery will be worthwhile and exciting for generations to come.

Task Force Assets & Headquarters

While Task Force 17 regularly dispatches starships to deep space assignments far from Starfleet infrastructure, it launches and manages these operations from its headquarters at Deep Space 17 in the Typhon Frontier. More distant missions are supervised from the flagship, the USS Discovery. As with other Fourth Fleet task forces, ships operating in other regions rely heavily on local facilities to see to their wide-ranging duties. The other starships of Task Force 17 are divided into two task groups, which share the numbers of the two prior task forces that were merged to create the task force in 2399.

Task Group 9

Task Group 38

Task Force History

Being one of the Fourth Fleet's many exploration arms, primarily focused in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, when Starfleet decided to redeploy the assets from Task Force 9 and Task Force 38 into one centralised task force then Task Force 17 was the logical decision. In 2399, Task Force 17 was handed all of the fourth fleet's deep space exploration assignments and assets. The handover was relatively simple and smooth sailing, but Starfleet was keen to reestablish a long term presence in the Delta Quadrant. When command of the task force was given to Captain (later Commodore) Bennet, the creation of the lead expeditionary group was Starfleet's first step forward in its efforts to return to the Delta Quadrant.

2399

Archanis Campaign

On the eve of Bennet's expeditionary group leaving the Alpha Quadrant, the threat of the Hunters of D'Ghor increased rapidly requiring Starfleet to redeploy elements from the fourth fleet to combat it. As a result the expeditionary group, along with several other ships, were rushed to the area to bolster Starfleet's presence and remove the threat caused by the rogue element from the Klingon Empire. Task Force 17's mandate quickly changed as it was responsible in securing several systems and the assembly of the Archanis Array. Within a matter of days, the ships (all led by Bennet) completed their initial orders and removed the threat of the Hunters and were successful in bringing the new array online. Along with creating an innovative way of monitoring the Klingon-Federation border, the task force's involvement in the campaign was instrumental in removing key players and ships from the Hunters of D'Ghor's fleet. Days after the campaign was declared a victory by Starfleet, Task Force 17 supported in the rebuilding of several key listening outposts along the border and deployment of orbital weapon platforms. Bennet, was promoted to commodore and ordered to return his exploration fleet back to Federation space so it could start its mission in the Delta Quadrant.

Operation: Delta Expedition

A month after the Archanis Campaign, Task Force 17's lead expeditionary group began its exploration efforts in the Delta Quadrant. It's first priorities were to explore what happened to the races that Voyager had left on good terms.

Echoes of the TKon Fleet Action

Task Force 17 was instrumental in the Fourth Fleet's fleet action response to the Echoes of the Tkon crisis in 2399 as the unit with the most widely spread starships. The placement of the vessels in this task force allowed the Fourth Fleet to identify sites where the Omega Molecule was emerging so that other vessels could respond and stop the outbreak. The task force was also key to identifying Tkon archaeological sites and other remnants of their technology which allowed the Fourth Fleet to end the crisis by shoring up the Galactic Barrier.

Stormbreaker Campaign

While humanitarian efforts were largely carried out by other task forces, Task Force 17 provided reconnaisance and scientific support during the Stormbreaker Campaign in late 2399. Information provided by starships in this unit were able to gather enough data to allow Starfleet to develop countermeasures for the subspace rifts driving the storm and to predict subspace "weather" patterns well enough to guide aid convoys through the Paulson Nebula.

2400

A New Home

As research agreements were made with the Romulan Free State and Starfleet saw fit to launch new missions of exploration in the Typhon Frontier, Task Force 17 undertook rearrangements. No longer making use of the lead expeditionary group, it was headquartered at Deep Space 17 in the Lioh System. From there, it has the freedom to launch missions into the deeper Beta Quadrant as well as the fringes of the Delta Quadrant, and has extensive research opportunities with the Typhon Expanse fresh on its doorstep.

Sundered Wings Fleet Action

Along with the rest of the Fourth Fleet, Task Force 17 participated in the fleet action response to the Sundered Wings Crisis in mid-2400. Given the scope of the crisis, Task Force 17 was instrumental in providing real-time data to allow Fourth Fleet Intelligence and Fourth Fleet Operations to prioritize the most important missions within the space of the collapsing Romulan Star Empire.

Blood Dilithium Campaign

In late 2400, Task Force 17 took the lead in the Fourth Fleet's response to a growing crisis in the Gradin Belt of the Delta Quadrant: the emergence of so-called blood dilithium, which proved to be a serious and immediate threat to life in the region, especially to telepathic life. As the unit with the most experience in the Delta Quadrant, Task Force 17 helped to ensure that the rest of the Fourth Fleet resources being deployed to the region went where they could do the most good.

2401

Lost Fleet Fleet Action

In early 2401, Task Force 17 was one of the first Fourth Fleet units on the scene in the Deneb Sector to begin the Fourth Fleet's fleet action response to the Lost Fleet Crisis, thanks to their headquarters being located at nearby Deep Space 17. Throughout the fleet action, Task Force 17 provided reconnaissance and scientific support to the rest of the fleet.

We are the Borg Fleet Action

In the mid of 2401, The Federation found itself reeling and wounded following the devastating incident of the 250th Frontier Day, serving as a stark reminder that although the Borg were not actively engaging, their threat persisted. This reality became even clearer in the subsequent months as the Fourth Fleet encountered numerous Borg incursions and reactivated technology. To address these dire circumstances, several ships from Task Force 17 were dispatched to investigate and provide assistance during these challenging times.

Command History

Since it's reconstitution in 2399, there have been seven commanders of Task Force 17. A full list including those commanders assigned during Task Force 17's prior history in the 2370s and 2380s is available.

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