USS Vallejo

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding"

    —Albert Einstein - Ship's dedication quote

USS Vallejo (NCC-75586) is a California-class Federation starship currently assigned to the Fourth Fleet's Task Force 21.

Launched Stardate 45703.1 (14 Sep 2368), the Vallejo served under several capable commanders.

Taking design cues from the Galaxy-class and Miranda-class, the California-class was designed relatively quickly, going from order to design prototyping between 2363 and 2367. The California herself was commissioned in early 2368, the year following the Battle of Wolf 359. While changes to Federation starship building in response to the Borg crisis resulted in the immediate cancellation of the California’s four smaller cousins, the new, more combat-orientated designs that resulted from this decision made an even greater demand for the California, as these new ships would be needed for frontline service.

However, after years of distinguished service, the ship was decommissioned and mothballed in 2396 due to changing fleet requirements and modernization initiatives.

In 2401, following the shocking Borg attack during Frontier Day celebrations and the infiltration by Changelings, Starfleet faced a dire need for experienced vessels. The Borg attack and Changeling infiltration shook Starfleet to its core. Many experienced officers were lost or compromised, and the majority of the fleet suffered damage, leaving a leadership vacuum.

The 33-year-old Vallejo was recommissioned after a thorough refit to make her space worthy once again and put back into service. As a symbol of Starfleet’s commitment to peaceful exploration and cooperation, the Vallejo represents the unyielding pursuit of knowledge, diplomatic relations, and the continual quest for understanding in this universe teeming with wonders.

Recent Missions

Mission: Among New Stars: Stardate 239912.28 - 240004.10

After years in mothballs, the over thirty-year-old California-class utility cruiser, USS Vallejo, was refit and returned to service under the command of Commander Day Renora. After completing the retrofit at Avalon Fleet Yards, the Vallejo departed to pick up the remainder of her crew complement at Starbase Bravo. The ship's first assignment with Task Force 47 involved a routine supply run delivering medical supplies. However, the mission quickly escalated into a complex operation, testing the capabilities and cohesion of the newly assembled crew. The Vallejo's journey into the unknown underscored Starfleet's commitment to exploration and the pursuit of knowledge.

Mission: Shades of Obsidian - Stardate 79028.7 - 79162.9

The USS Vallejo was assigned to deploy a communications buoy in the Kavaria System to improve Starfleet’s operational capabilities near the Cardassian border. Simultaneously, Cadet Jeremy Ryan conducted required Academy training aboard the shuttle Sequoia. The mission shifted when the Vallejo detected a distress signal from the USS Tecumseh, missing since the Dominion War. Investigating, the Vallejo was attacked and boarded by Obsidian Order operatives under Kaela Orin, who aimed to use a Tetryon bomb to destroy Deep Space 47. The crew, including key contributions from Commander Mehta, Lieutenant Amir, Cadet Ryan, Lieutenant Vex, and Crewman Anari, neutralized the threat by disabling the bomb and escaping the enemy base. The mission resulted in seventeen crew deaths and significant ship damage, but the Vallejo reached safety, with Starfleet reinforcements enroute.

Mission: Shadows Over Nerathis - Stardate 79253.6 - 79263.4

The USS Vallejo investigated the loss of contact with an archaeological team on Nerathis IV, studying ancient alien ruins. A derelict Vaadwaur ship in orbit had attacked the outpost, releasing the Vyr’eshk, a psionic entity that fed on fear. The Vallejo faced subspace interference, complicating operations. Away teams explored the surface and the Vaadwaur ship, confirming the entity’s release. Lieutenant Valis and Lieutenant Jorath resealed the Vyr’eshk using its containment structure and empathic bait. The mission succeeded without loss of life, however many of the crew experienced injuries and emotional trauma. The Vaadwaur ship was towed to Deep Space 47, and Nerathis IV was quarantined.

Configuration

Main Article: California-Class Utility Cruiser

The Vallejo employs the standard command variant California-Class configuration used during its production in 2368. One notable exception is decks one and two. The bridge of the USS Vallejo was heavily modified during her 2401 refit, having lost most of her original first two decks due to damage from a plasma storm. Most components were taken from the USS T'Varra, an early Nebula-Class vessel mothballed at Providence Fleet Yards.

Typical of Starfleet vessels of that era, the bridge features a central command seating area featuring chairs for the captain, executive officer, and one other officer as missions dictate. Forward of the command area are found stations for the tactical on the starboard, and science on the port side of the bridge. Forward of those stations are found stations for the conn officer on the starboard, and operations officer on the port side.

Directly behind the command area is one large auxiliary station that can serve multiple officers as needed. At the rear of the bridge lies two standing stations, engineering on starboard, and an auxiliary tactical/security port. The aft center of the bridge is dominated by a master systems display, and fore by a standard viewscreen. Additional standing stations including mission ops, environmental controls, and replicators are recessed port and starboard.

The Back Nine

The Back Nine is the USS Vallejo's primary mess hall, crew lounge, and bar, located in the aft section of Deck 9. This vibrant space serves as a central hub for off-duty relaxation and socializing. It features a fully stocked bar managed by a rotating crew member or holographic steward, along with replicator stations for meals and snacks. The lounge is outfitted with comfortable seating, recreational games, and views of space through its large aft-facing windows. Whether grabbing a drink, enjoying a meal, or unwinding after a shift, the Back Nine offers a welcoming atmosphere that fosters camaraderie among the crew.

Notable Crew

Commanding Officers

• 2368 – 2370: Captain Shryth Th’qaarhas
• 2370 – 2378: Captain T’pil
• 2378 – 2382: Commander Isabella J. Lin
• 2382 – 2385: Commander Xann bim Travrarv
• 2385 – 2387: Captain Elara M. Arroyo
• 2392 – 2396: Lt. Commander Sarina A. Talbot
• 2401 - 2402 : Commander Day Renora
• 2402 - 2402 : Captain Arcadia Davidson-Garnier
• 2402 - Present : Captain Bernadette Harrington