Ship Howard

Name	U.S.S. Robert L. Howard
Registry	NCC-220210
Class	Ushaan class Escort
Captain	Kih'Vok

Introduction

     "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then SFC.), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam. The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer's equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant's belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area. Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 31⁄2 hours 1st Lt. Howard's small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. 1st Lt. Howard's gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army."

-Medal of Honor Citation in recognition of Robert L. Howard.

Mission Summary

     The U.S.S. Robert L. Howard is a recently commissioned Ushaan class Escort Frigate that was assigned to Kih'Vok sutai Pallara upon the completion of his last cadet cruise aboard the U.S.S. Kelvin. The vessel's primary mission is one of patrol and support along the Klingon front, providing assistance where needed and required by Starfleet. Under Captain Kih'Vok's command of primarily Klingon officers, the vessel has seen it's share of action in the 18 months it has been in service.

Vessel Namesake

     The U.S.S. Robert L. Howard was named after Vietnam War veteran Colonel Robert Lewis Howard, United States Army. Colonel Howard is the only United States soldier to ever be nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor on three separate occasions for three different actions. All three of these nominations occurred during a thirteen month period between 1967 and 1968. Colonel Howard finally received the Medal of Honor for the third action which occurred on December 30th, 1968. Upon Colonel Howard's death on February 22, 2010, he was (and remains) the most highly decorated soldier in United States history.

Ship Specifications

Production Base: ASDB Integration Facility, Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards – Mars

Type: Ushaan class Escort

Accommodation: 50 crew; 10 visiting personnel; 300 personnel evacuation limit;

Power Plant: One 3150 plus Serova swirl warp core feeding two nacelles; one impulse system

Dimensions: Length - 172.4 meters, Beam - meters, Width - meters

Mass: 378,250 metric tonnes

Performance: Cruise Speed - Warp 7 / Max Cruise - Warp 8 / Max Speed - Warp 9.12

Armament: 1 Mark X Photon Cannon, 3 Mark XI Photon Arrays / 2 Photon Torpedo tubes (1 fore, 1 aft)