October 26, 2022
PUTNAM, CONN. - After a nine-month shakedown cruise, the crew of the U.S.S. Charter Oak NCC-63545, formerly NX-63545, has officially left drydock on their first assignment under the direction of STARFLEET International’s Region 15.
“Following final outfitting and crew assignments,” wrote Vice Admiral Steve Bowers of STARFLEET Operations, “you are cleared to proceed to your assigned patrol area in the 15th Fleet’s area of operations.”
Even though the official commissioning of the U.S.S. Charter Oak happened on October 15, the official announcement came during the crew’s inaugural Halloween Costume Party on October 23; one of many events that the team of a dozen fans of Gene Roddenberry’s creation participated in in October and over the past nine months. During the official announcement, both the ship’s command officer and executive officer were promoted to Captain and Commander in line with the rules that govern the organization.
Fleet Commander Frank Gonzalez read the promotion orders from Vice Admiral Thomas Guertin to brothers Ryan and Bradley O’Connor, who were promoted to Captain and Commander respectively saying, “Upon receipt of these orders, you will detach from your present station and duties. You are ordered to report to the Starship Charter Oak.”
Following the issuing of orders, both brothers were pinned with their new ranks.
As his first order of business, now-Captain Ryan O’Connor promoted three additional members of the crew. The following were promoted:
Crewman J. Baldree was promoted to Ensign after completing the necessary training.
Ensign D. Raposo was promoted to Lieutenant Commander after completing all the necessary training as well as extra courses, most of which completed with a score of honors.
Ensign J. Marks Sr was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade after completing all the necessary training.
The U.S.S Charter Oak is one of two vessels representing the state of Connecticut. This chapter began its shakedown cruise in January of 2022 under the supervision of the Rhode Island chapter, the U.S.S Roger Williams. The second chapter in Connecticut is the U.S.S Nathan Hale, which also started under the U.S.S Roger Williams, which is commanded by Fleet Commander Frank Gonzalez. The U.S.S Charter Oak partners with the Connecticut Humane Society as their charity having already raised nearly four hundred dollars for the animal shelter.
To learn how you can join the U.S.S Charter Oak, or any chapter in STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Association, visit www.usscharteroak.org or www.sfi.org.
Comments