Starfleet

Prior to 2161, Starfleet was the primary space defense and exploration organization of United Earth in the early-to-mid 22nd century. The primary authority of Starfleet was referred to as either Starfleet Command or UESPA (United Earth Space Probe Agency) under the jurisdiction of the Command Council, and was located in the city of San Francisco, Earth.  

Prior to 2161, Starfleet was the primary space defense and exploration organization of United Earth in the early-to-mid 22nd century. The primary authority of Starfleet was referred to as either Starfleet Command or UESPA (United Earth Space Probe Agency) under the jurisdiction of the Command Council, and was located in the city of San Francisco, Earth.  

The primary purpose of Starfleet from its infancy was to "...seek out new life and new civilizations," and "...go boldly where no man has gone before." (This quote is attributed to Zefram Cochrane, the inventor of warp drive on Earth.)  

The primary purpose of Starfleet from its infancy was to "...seek out new life and new civilizations," and "...go boldly where no man has gone before." (This quote is attributed to Zefram Cochrane, the inventor of warp drive on Earth.)  

Some Starfleet personnel worked in conjunction with the United Earth Diplomatic Corps.

Some Starfleet personnel worked in conjunction with the United Earth Diplomatic Corps.

In 2153, following a Xindi attack on Earth and numerous firefights that the EnterpriseNX had been involved in since its launch in 2151, it was determined that Earth's vessels would begin to carry detachments of United Earth's elite military unit, the MACOs, thus taking a step towards the unification of Starfleet and the military and of the roles of defense and exploration.

In 2153, following a Xindi attack on Earth and numerous firefights that the EnterpriseNX had been involved in since its launch in 2151, it was determined that Earth's vessels would begin to carry detachments of United Earth's elite military unit, the MACOs, thus taking a step towards the unification of Starfleet and the military and of the roles of defense and exploration.

One of the primary projects of Starfleet was to develop a viable and fast interstellar engine that would allow Earth to practically cross vast distances in reasonably short time. Despite some allegations of interference or at least, a refusal of assistance from the Vulcans, Earth had made notable progress in developing the warp five engine by the 2150s.  

One of the primary projects of Starfleet was to develop a viable and fast interstellar engine that would allow Earth to practically cross vast distances in reasonably short time. Despite some allegations of interference or at least, a refusal of assistance from the Vulcans, Earth had made notable progress in developing the warp five engine by the 2150s.  

Key officials overseeing the United Earth Starfleet included:

Key officials overseeing the United Earth Starfleet included:

* Admiral Gardner

* Admiral Gardner

* [[Commander]] Williams

* [[Commander]] Williams

Article 14, Section 31, of the original U.E. Starfleet Charter made allowances for certain rules to be bent during times of extraordinary threat. This clause was the seed for the rogue organization known as Section 31. [[Lieutenant]] Malcolm Reed was recruited to Section 31 as a young [[Ensign]].

Article 14, Section 31, of the original U.E. Starfleet Charter made allowances for certain rules to be bent during times of extraordinary threat. This clause was the seed for the rogue organization known as Section 31. [[Lieutenant]] Malcolm Reed was recruited to Section 31 as a young [[Ensign]].

=== United Federation of Planets ===

=== United Federation of Planets ===

With the formation of the Federation in 2161, as per the Federation Charter, Starfleet and the deep-space exploratory and military services of the other member worlds were folded into the authority of the Federation.  

With the formation of the Federation in 2161, as per the Federation Charter, Starfleet and the deep-space exploratory and military services of the other member worlds were folded into the authority of the Federation.  

Until as late as the 2290s, some Starfleet operations continued to fall at least partly under the jurisdiction of UESPA. By the mid-24th century, however, Starfleet operations were regulated solely by Starfleet Command, answering to the Federation President and the Federation Council.

Until as late as the 2290s, some Starfleet operations continued to fall at least partly under the jurisdiction of UESPA. By the mid-24th century, however, Starfleet operations were regulated solely by Starfleet Command, answering to the Federation President and the Federation Council.

Starfleet has always been a multiracial organization, composed of species from various worlds. Even though Starfleet was an organization representing United Earth and later on the Federation, it was not a requirement for Starfleet personnel to be Human, or later on, from a member species of the Federation.  At times Starfleet has even allowed members from species that were its enemies at the time to work as crew members, including Worf during the Klingon war of the 2370s, part-Romulan Simon Tarses and Seven of Nine, a Borg.  

Starfleet has always been a multiracial organization, composed of species from various worlds. Even though Starfleet was an organization representing United Earth and later on the Federation, it was not a requirement for Starfleet personnel to be Human, or later on, from a member species of the Federation.  At times Starfleet has even allowed members from species that were its enemies at the time to work as crew members, including Worf during the Klingon war of the 2370s, part-Romulan Simon Tarses and Seven of Nine, a Borg.  

The following races have had members of their species working for Starfleet:  

The following races have had members of their species working for Starfleet:  

* Zaranites

* Zaranites

== Organization ==

== Organization ==

Direct commanding authority over Starfleet was a power of the Federation President. In addition, the Federation Council, the Federation's legislature, often directly influenced the service's operations and even issued orders on occasion. The day-to-day operations of the service were managed by Starfleet Command, under a commander in chief.  

Direct commanding authority over Starfleet was a power of the Federation President. In addition, the Federation Council, the Federation's legislature, often directly influenced the service's operations and even issued orders on occasion. The day-to-day operations of the service were managed by Starfleet Command, under a commander in chief.  

=== Officers ===

=== Officers ===

In the 22nd century, Starfleet was a civilian organization which adopted many aspects of Earth's earlier military forces, even though its main role was scientific development and exploration. Ranks within Starfleet closely followed the traditions of the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy.

In the 22nd century, Starfleet was a civilian organization which adopted many aspects of Earth's earlier military forces, even though its main role was scientific development and exploration. Ranks within Starfleet closely followed the traditions of the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy.

Starfleet officers functioned as commanders and directors of the service's operations at all levels. The most senior officers ranks were known as flag officer ranks. Officers holding these ranks functioned at the highest levels of command in the service. Flag officer ranks, in descending order of the chain of command, are as follows:

Starfleet officers functioned as commanders and directors of the service's operations at all levels. The most senior officers ranks were known as flag officer ranks. Officers holding these ranks functioned at the highest levels of command in the service. Flag officer ranks, in descending order of the chain of command, are as follows:

*[[Rear Admiral]]

*[[Rear Admiral]]

*[[Commodore]]

*[[Commodore]]

Sector commanders, the Superintendent of Starfleet Academy, the Commander, Starfleet, the Starfleet Chief of Staff and Chief of Starfleet Operations, and the Commander in Chief, were all flag officers.  

Sector commanders, the Superintendent of Starfleet Academy, the Commander, Starfleet, the Starfleet Chief of Staff and Chief of Starfleet Operations, and the Commander in Chief, were all flag officers.  

Below flag officer ranks were other officer ranks. Officers holding these ranks usually served in field command positions, such as commanding officers and senior staff on the service's vessels. These ranks, in descending order of the chain of command, were as follows:

Below flag officer ranks were other officer ranks. Officers holding these ranks usually served in field command positions, such as commanding officers and senior staff on the service's vessels. These ranks, in descending order of the chain of command, were as follows:

*[[Lieutenant j.g.]]

*[[Lieutenant j.g.]]

*[[Ensign]]

*[[Ensign]]

Graduates of Starfleet Academy were commissioned to the rank of ensign, the most junior officer's rank, and were promoted to higher ranks over the courses of their time in the service. Physicians who graduated from Starfleet Medical Academy in the 24th century were commissioned to the rank of lieutenant junior grade.

Graduates of Starfleet Academy were commissioned to the rank of ensign, the most junior officer's rank, and were promoted to higher ranks over the courses of their time in the service. Physicians who graduated from Starfleet Medical Academy in the 24th century were commissioned to the rank of lieutenant junior grade.

=== Enlisted personnel ===

=== Enlisted personnel ===

*[[Master Chief Petty Officer]]

*[[Master Chief Petty Officer]]

*[[Crewman Apprentice]]

*[[Crewman Apprentice]]

*[[Crewman Recruit]]

*[[Crewman Recruit]]

The enlisted ranks above that of crewman were not commissioned officer ranks. To distinguish them from commissioned officer ranks, the term 'non-commissioned officer' was used. All enlisted personnel were subordinate to commissioned officers in the chain of command.

The enlisted ranks above that of crewman were not commissioned officer ranks. To distinguish them from commissioned officer ranks, the term 'non-commissioned officer' was used. All enlisted personnel were subordinate to commissioned officers in the chain of command.

=== Uniforms ===

=== Uniforms ===

In the 22nd century, the same basic uniform was worn by all Starfleet officers, with differences in insignia and color-coded elements designed to distinguish rank and departmental function.  Starfleet departments included Starfleet Operations and Starfleet Security.  

In the 22nd century, the same basic uniform was worn by all Starfleet officers, with differences in insignia and color-coded elements designed to distinguish rank and departmental function.  Starfleet departments included Starfleet Operations and Starfleet Security.  

Starfleet personnel wore distinctive uniforms while on duty. These uniforms generally displayed the department color of the department/divison the enlisted person or officer served in, and also the rank insignia.

Starfleet personnel wore distinctive uniforms while on duty. These uniforms generally displayed the department color of the department/divison the enlisted person or officer served in, and also the rank insignia.

== Bases and installations ==

== Bases and installations ==

Apart from [[Starfleet Academy]], the service also maintained several training facilities for both officers and enlisted personnel. These included a number of Academy annexes, located in different systems. Known annexes were Starfleet Academy (Beta Aquilae II), Starfleet Academy (Beta Ursae Minor II) and Starfleet Academy (Psi Upsilon III).  The service also maintained at least one testing facility to evaluate prospective Starfleet Academy undergraduates for admission into the academy. This facility was located on the planet Relva VII.  

Apart from [[Starfleet Academy]], the service also maintained several training facilities for both officers and enlisted personnel. These included a number of Academy annexes, located in different systems. Known annexes were Starfleet Academy (Beta Aquilae II), Starfleet Academy (Beta Ursae Minor II) and Starfleet Academy (Psi Upsilon III).  The service also maintained at least one testing facility to evaluate prospective Starfleet Academy undergraduates for admission into the academy. This facility was located on the planet Relva VII.  

== Vessels ==

== Vessels ==

=== Starships ===

=== Starships ===

The backbone of Starfleet's operations were its starships. These vessels, all warp-capable, were capable of supporting and providing the ability and resources to carry out all of the service's mandates: exploration, the military defense of the Federation, the transport of supplies and resources, and providing emergency medical care. A large range of starship classes existed. Some were multi-purpose and other were designed for a specific use.  

The backbone of Starfleet's operations were its starships. These vessels, all warp-capable, were capable of supporting and providing the ability and resources to carry out all of the service's mandates: exploration, the military defense of the Federation, the transport of supplies and resources, and providing emergency medical care. A large range of starship classes existed. Some were multi-purpose and other were designed for a specific use.  

The most famous ship of pre-Federation Starfleet was the NX-01. That ship was the first to be equipped with the Warp 5 engine, and made first contact with over thirty species. Under the command of [[Captain]] Jonathan Archer, ''Enterprise'' established Earth as an interstellar power after negotiating treaties between the Vulcans and Andorians in 2152, saving the galaxy from the Sphere Builders and the Xindi in 2154, uncovering the lost teachings of Surak on Vulcan and preventing a Vulcan invasion of Andoria later in 2154, helping to instigate a cultural and political coup d'etat against the dictatorial Vulcan head of state Administrator V'Las, and facilitating peace talks between the Andorians and Tellarites following a series of attacks on both races in late 2154.

The most famous ship of pre-Federation Starfleet was the NX-01. That ship was the first to be equipped with the Warp 5 engine, and made first contact with over thirty species. Under the command of [[Captain]] Jonathan Archer, ''Enterprise'' established Earth as an interstellar power after negotiating treaties between the Vulcans and Andorians in 2152, saving the galaxy from the Sphere Builders and the Xindi in 2154, uncovering the lost teachings of Surak on Vulcan and preventing a Vulcan invasion of Andoria later in 2154, helping to instigate a cultural and political coup d'etat against the dictatorial Vulcan head of state Administrator V'Las, and facilitating peace talks between the Andorians and Tellarites following a series of attacks on both races in late 2154.

The United Earth Starfleet also built the ''NX''-class Columbia, launching that ship in late 2154, with at least two more ''NX''-class ships planned.

The United Earth Starfleet also built the ''NX''-class Columbia, launching that ship in late 2154, with at least two more ''NX''-class ships planned.

The United Earth Starfleet did not have any jurisdiction over what happens aboard vessels operating in the Earth Cargo Service. That responsibility remained in the hands of the Earth Cargo Authority.  

The United Earth Starfleet did not have any jurisdiction over what happens aboard vessels operating in the Earth Cargo Service. That responsibility remained in the hands of the Earth Cargo Authority.  

The Constitution was historically one of the service's most important starship classes. Starships of this class were the service's frontline vessels in the 23rd century, designed for long-term exploratory missions lasting five Earth years. The most storied of these vessels was the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 under the command of [[Captain]] James Tiberius Kirk. During his historic tour of duty as captain, countless new civilizations, planets, and anomalies were studied.  

The Constitution was historically one of the service's most important starship classes. Starships of this class were the service's frontline vessels in the 23rd century, designed for long-term exploratory missions lasting five Earth years. The most storied of these vessels was the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 under the command of [[Captain]] James Tiberius Kirk. During his historic tour of duty as captain, countless new civilizations, planets, and anomalies were studied.  

In the late 2260s to early 2270s, the ''Constitution''-class starships underwent a major refit program.  The actual refitting took eighteen months of work and essentially a new vessel was built onto the bones of the old, replacing virtually every major system. These upgraded refit ''Constitution''s provided a bridge in capability until the next class of modern Starfleet cruiser could take their place at the forefront of galactic exploration, diplomacy, and conflict. Thus, the ''Constitution''-class continued in service for a further twenty years.

In the late 2260s to early 2270s, the ''Constitution''-class starships underwent a major refit program.  The actual refitting took eighteen months of work and essentially a new vessel was built onto the bones of the old, replacing virtually every major system. These upgraded refit ''Constitution''s provided a bridge in capability until the next class of modern Starfleet cruiser could take their place at the forefront of galactic exploration, diplomacy, and conflict. Thus, the ''Constitution''-class continued in service for a further twenty years.

The Excelsior was initially constructed during the early 2280s at Starfleet's San Francisco Fleet Yards orbiting Earth. Starfleet had high hopes for the first ship of this class, the prototype USS Excelsior, which was equipped with transwarp drive, and was regarded as that century's "Great Experiment." Despite the failure of the "Great Experiment," Starfleet forged ahead with employing the ''Excelsior'' design. After remaining in Earth Spacedock until at least 2287, the prototype ''Excelsior'' was subsequently recommissioned for active service by 2290. In 2293, the ''Excelsior'' design was given greater notoriety when Starfleet passed on the name of a legacy. The launch of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-B opened the door for the ''Excelsior'' class to become one of the most widely used designs in all of Starfleet, a design lasting well into the late 24th century.  

The Excelsior was initially constructed during the early 2280s at Starfleet's San Francisco Fleet Yards orbiting Earth. Starfleet had high hopes for the first ship of this class, the prototype USS Excelsior, which was equipped with transwarp drive, and was regarded as that century's "Great Experiment." Despite the failure of the "Great Experiment," Starfleet forged ahead with employing the ''Excelsior'' design. After remaining in Earth Spacedock until at least 2287, the prototype ''Excelsior'' was subsequently recommissioned for active service by 2290. In 2293, the ''Excelsior'' design was given greater notoriety when Starfleet passed on the name of a legacy. The launch of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-B opened the door for the ''Excelsior'' class to become one of the most widely used designs in all of Starfleet, a design lasting well into the late 24th century.  

In the 24th century, the ''Excelsior'' design was gradually replaced as the service's front-line vessel class by the Galaxy. Primarily designed at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, this class was the most technologically sophisticated in the history of the service. Vessels of this class were the largest in size of any ever produced in Federation history, and became well-known, both within and outside of the Federation, for their capabilities in both scientific enquiry and exploration, and military action. The most recognized vessel of this class was the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, commanded by [[Captain]] Jean-Luc Picard.  

In the 24th century, the ''Excelsior'' design was gradually replaced as the service's front-line vessel class by the Galaxy. Primarily designed at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, this class was the most technologically sophisticated in the history of the service. Vessels of this class were the largest in size of any ever produced in Federation history, and became well-known, both within and outside of the Federation, for their capabilities in both scientific enquiry and exploration, and military action. The most recognized vessel of this class was the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, commanded by [[Captain]] Jean-Luc Picard.  

Due to continual advancements in design, the ''Galaxy''-class was eventually replaced by the Sovereign. This class featured innovations in weapons, warp propulsion and computer processing power. The most noteworthy vessel in this class was the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-E, again commanded by [[Captain]] Jean-Luc Picard.  

Due to continual advancements in design, the ''Galaxy''-class was eventually replaced by the Sovereign. This class featured innovations in weapons, warp propulsion and computer processing power. The most noteworthy vessel in this class was the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-E, again commanded by [[Captain]] Jean-Luc Picard.  

Another very well known class was the Intrepid. This class was older than the ''Sovereign''-class, but more advanced than the ''Galaxy''-class. The ''Intrepid''-class proved itself many times beyond what was expected of it when a ship of this class, the USS Voyager, commanded by [[Captain]] Kathryn Janeway, was cast nearly 70,000 [[light year]]s away from Federation space, deep into the unexplored Delta Quadrant, in 2371. The ship supported Captain Janeway and her crew through dangers never before encountered by a Starfleet crew, and successfully returned to Federation space in 2378. For those seven years, the ship had no access to any kind of Starfleet supplies or maintenance whatsoever.  

Another very well known class was the Intrepid. This class was older than the ''Sovereign''-class, but more advanced than the ''Galaxy''-class. The ''Intrepid''-class proved itself many times beyond what was expected of it when a ship of this class, the USS Voyager, commanded by [[Captain]] Kathryn Janeway, was cast nearly 70,000 [[light year]]s away from Federation space, deep into the unexplored Delta Quadrant, in 2371. The ship supported Captain Janeway and her crew through dangers never before encountered by a Starfleet crew, and successfully returned to Federation space in 2378. For those seven years, the ship had no access to any kind of Starfleet supplies or maintenance whatsoever.  

Other noteworthy starship classes were the Akira, the Nova, the Olympic, the Defiant and the experimental Prometheus. The ''Defiant''- and ''Prometheus''-classes were primarily designed for military operations.  The ''Olympic''-class was designed as mobile emergency medical centers.  

Other noteworthy starship classes were the Akira, the Nova, the Olympic, the Defiant and the experimental Prometheus. The ''Defiant''- and ''Prometheus''-classes were primarily designed for military operations.  The ''Olympic''-class was designed as mobile emergency medical centers.  

=== Other vessels ===

=== Other vessels ===

Aside from its starships, the service also operated other vessels. Among these were several types of shuttlecraft, which were typically used to transport personnel over relatively short distances, such as from a starship orbiting a planet down to the planet's surface.  

Aside from its starships, the service also operated other vessels. Among these were several types of shuttlecraft, which were typically used to transport personnel over relatively short distances, such as from a starship orbiting a planet down to the planet's surface.  

=== Time vessels ===

=== Time vessels ===

==General Orders and Regulations==

==General Orders and Regulations==

The service maintained a set of regulations, known as Starfleet General Orders and Regulations. These governed all aspects of service operations and covered all possible situations it was thought that personnel might encounter, from protocol to situations of First Contact with unknown species.  

The service maintained a set of regulations, known as Starfleet General Orders and Regulations. These governed all aspects of service operations and covered all possible situations it was thought that personnel might encounter, from protocol to situations of First Contact with unknown species.  

The most important of these was termed General Order Number One, but was more commonly referred to as the Prime Directive.  

The most important of these was termed General Order Number One, but was more commonly referred to as the Prime Directive.  

Not all of the general orders and regulations were intended for general personnel knowledge. At least one, known as the Omega Directive, was a top secret of the highest order, and was known only to officers ranking captain or any flag officer rank. This was due to the extreme sensitivity and danger posed by the subject the directive dealt with.

Not all of the general orders and regulations were intended for general personnel knowledge. At least one, known as the Omega Directive, was a top secret of the highest order, and was known only to officers ranking captain or any flag officer rank. This was due to the extreme sensitivity and danger posed by the subject the directive dealt with.