USS Renown
The USS Renown (NCC-79655) is an Akira-class heavy cruiser currently assigned to the Fourth Fleet's Arcturus Wayfinding Squadron. Launched in 2373, mere months before the outbreak of the Dominion War, Renown has defended the Federation in every major conflict and campaign in the latter half of the 24th century while also conducting diplomatic negotiations, providing aid to dozens of worlds, and serving as the base for hundreds of scientific missions. This storied and versatile vessel has been under the command of Captain Takemura Masaru since 2380.
History
NCC-79655, the vessel which would be later named Renown, began construction in 2370 on the same day that the starship Odyssey was destroyed in Starfleet's disastrous first contact with the Dominion. The existing Renown, an Excelsior-class heavy cruiser, was heavily damaged during a concerted attack by a Maquis cell, and it was decided that the ship's spaceframe would be melted down and any serviceable equipment would be stripped and installed aboard this new vessel to carry the namesake.
Renown was launched just in time to participate in the final skirmishes of the Klingon-Federation War of 2372-2373. Later that year, she defended Earth against the Borg at the Battle of Sector 001. For Renown, the 2370s would be a difficult and battle-filled decade. Following the Dominion War, Renown delivered humanitarian aid to the Cardassians while also enforcing their demilitarization, and she used her large hangers to great effect during the early days of the Romulan evacuation in the 2380s.
Notable Events
- Early 2370s: The first years of the Renown's history are those of both conflict and triumph.
- 2370: The as-yet-unnamed NCC-79655 is laid down at Avalon Fleet Yards late in the year as part of Starfleet's rapid expansion of its tactical fleet to face the looming Borg and Dominion threats. Weeks later, the Starfleet Corps of Engineers decides to scrap the Renown, an Excelsior-class vessel, and its hull and other components are incorporated into the construction of her successor: NCC-79655, now christened Renown. These components allow for a substantially abbreviated construction timeline.
- Early 2373: Just before the end of the Federation-Klingon War of 2372-2373, Renown is launched from Avalon. The ADSB authorizes an abbreviated two-week shakedown cruise, with most final systems checks being completed while en route to the Klingon front. Renown provides additional fire support for the Fourth Fleet.
- Mid-2373: Renown remains with the Fourth Fleet and maintains a defensive station within the Federation core.
- Late 2373: Renown participates in the Battle of Sector 001. Damage sustained during this battle requires two weeks at Utopia Planitia to repair. Repairs are completed in time for Renown to depart for Starbase 375 to reinforce the Federation's forward headquarters in the newly ignited Dominion War.
- 2374—2375: Throughout the war, Renown participates in several major battles, including the successful liberation of Deep Space Nine during Operation Return and the crushing defeat of Starfleet's failed defense of Betazed. She is present for the Battle of Cardassia.
- 2375-2380: After two years in service in harsh conditions, Renown is repaired and refitted early at Utopia Planitia. Her first formal five-year mission is authorized, and she is dispatched to the Cardassian Union to participate in humanitarian and logistical support missions, trading her fighter wing for a flotilla of cargo shuttles. During this time, she also participates in inspection efforts to ensure the Cardassians' demilitarization.
- 2380-2386: Renown is refit for the first time as first officer Takemura Masaru assumes command. Takemura will remain in command for the remainder of the 24th century.
- 2380—2381: Renown receives her first full refit at Avalon Fleet Yards, which includes upgrades to the ship's holography systems and general improvements to her power, defensive, and engine systems.
- 2381: Before Renown can embark on a second five-year mission of exploration, she is reassigned to the Romulan Evacuation Effort under Admiral Jean-Luc Picard.
- 2381—2385: Renown initially evacuates refugees herself before aid vessels can be constructed. Once the fleet begins to take shape, she moves to a support and command role, escorting trains of Wallenberg-class transports to and from Romulan space. When Utopia Planitia is attacked in 2385, Renown is present to engage and destroy the rogue synth forces.
- 2386: Renown spends the final year of her five-year mission patrolling the Romulan border.
- 2386—2391: Renown undertakes a second five-year mission under Takemura Masaru, performing patrol and scientific missions along the Klingon border.
- 2390-2391: Renown participates in strikes against the Sovereignty of Kahless, including the final action of that campaign: Operation Gatecrasher.
- 2391—2392: A decade after her first refit, Renown undertakes a much longer overhaul at Avalon Fleet Yards, including a full stem-to-stern baryon sweep and replacements of many of her internal systems. Takemura remains in command, overseeing the refit personally.
- 2392—2397: Renown undertakes her third five-year mission, still under the command of Captain Takemura. Renown serves as a flagship for several joint exercises with minor Klingon houses, as well as war games between Starfleet and Federation member worlds' militaries, including the Andorian Imperial Guard. Throughout this period, she also plays host to a number of command trainees, though she remains an active-duty starship.
- 2397—Present: During her fourth five-year mission under Captain Takemura, Renown remains assigned to the Fourth Fleet.
- 2399: Renown is among the starships sent to reinforce Starbase 38 after an attack by the Breen. She will maintain a defensive station here for the remainder of the year.
- 2400: In response to multiple crises, including the Century Storm, Renown is repositioned to Starbase Bravo to provide defensive support.
- 2401: In late 2401, Renown is reassigned to Arcturus Wayfinding Squadron and relocates to Olympia Station. There, she undertakes a mix of exploratory and patrol assignments, remaining close enough to defend the station against possible threats while also putting her scientific capabilities to good use.
Namesake
Numerous Earth vessels have born the name Renown, including eleven vessels of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy[1] and thirteen vessels of the French Navy (Renommée)[2], including two French vessels which were captured by the British and renamed from Renommée to Renown, all from the 17th through 20th centuries.
There have been three Federation starships to bear the name Renown:
- USS Renown (NCC-1870) - Miranda II-class light cruiser
- 2273—2300 (Decommissioned)
- USS Renown (NCC-9810) - Excelsior-class heavy cruiser
- 2300—2370 (Decommissioned, Upcycled into NCC-79655)
- USS Renown (NCC-79655) - Akira-class heavy cruiser
- 2373—Present (Active, In-Service)
The current iteration of the Renown incorporates the seal of the HMS Renown into her own insignia, a torch supported by a laurel wreath, all in bronze, over a dark blue background.
Fighter Squadron
While Renown can embark up to two squadrons of Valkyrie-class fighters in wartime, in peacetime, her complement of embarked craft is mixed between fighters, runabouts, and shuttles. Renown's single squadron of twelve fighters is divided into Blue Flight and Bronze Flight, a reference to the ship's seal.