USS Johnston

USS Johnston NCC-10527 is an Ambassador-class Federation starship currently assigned to Fourth Fleet's Task Force 17. Under the command of Captain Rachael Sand, the Johnston has re-entered Starfleet service to support Task Force 17's exploration mandate. Its primary role is to follow up on any first contact missions that other ships in the Task Force have engaged with. Its diplomatic efforts are crucial to the Federation's efforts in making new allies on the frontiers it is exploring.

Since her launch in 2347 from the 40 Eridani A Starfleet Construction Yards, the Johnston has been involved in several key events. A year after her launch, she supported the Federation’s delegation in the last attempt for reconciliation between Acamar III and the Gatherers. Over the next few years, the Johnston patrolled along the Cardassian border, and on several occasions helped rescue Bajoran refugees. In 2352, the Johnston was part of the task group that assisted with the Federation's withdrawal from Turkana IV. Five years later, the ship was part of the relief task force sent to repel the Talarian attack during the Galen border crisis.

The Johnston may be an older ship, but since acquiring a few recent upgrades, she has shown her worthwhile. The crew of the Johnston, since its re-launch, has been working hard to restore the ship to its former glory. One of their key successes is the ship’s main ballroom, which has been enjoyed not only by the crew but also by visiting dignitaries during grand state dinners.

Crew of the Johnston

• Captain Rachael Sand: A Human female in her late sixties, Sand had retired in 2392 from Starfleet, but after the loss of so many during Frontier Day, she agreed to return. She was surprised to be given the Johnston, especially as it was one of the first ships she served on as a junior officer. Sand is noted for her well-seasoned diplomatic skills - she is an excellent negotiator. Sand has no family ties and found her retirement boring. She gets excited about a new mission very easily.
• Commander Erica Keating: A Human female, in her late thirties, Keating served under Sand prior to her retirement. She sees Sand as a mentor and someone she aspires to be. Keating can be blunt and straight to the point when engaging with others. A former pilot, Keating has enjoyed her time in the command department but has decided to slow down her career to enjoy her time under Sand again.

In Play

• The Johnston is a Task Unit Asset, and any member of Task Force 17 can feature it in their stories.
• The Johnston was quickly taken from its disarmament process at Avalon Fleet Yards and retrofitted for its new assignment.
• Usually, the Johnston is seen following up with diplomatic efforts after others have finished an exploration or mapping mission where they have encountered other warp-capable species. She may also be following up on diplomatic efforts with other peaceful nations in developing future joint exploration efforts. Your ship may be selected for one of these missions.
• If your ship has encountered another race while exploring or undertaking research, your ship may suggest that at the end of it, the Johnston follows up with further diplomatic efforts with them.
• The Johnston can be used like any other task unit asset, showing up to resupply or deliver officers, or mentioned off-screen by dealing with distant problems or discovering the initial plot hook that your ship is sent to deal with.