| U.S.S. Illustrious | |
|---|---|
 The Illustrious investigates an asteroid field. | |
|
Class: |
Galaxy-class |
|
Registry: |
NCC-91286 |
|
Affiliation: |
Starfleet, Alpha Centauri Institute |
|
Role: |
Exploration cruiser, multi-role platform |
|
Launched: |
2372 |
|
Status: |
Active |
"Our imagination is the only limit to what we can hope to have in the future." - Charles F. Kettering, from the ship's dedication plaque.
The U.S.S.Illustrious is a Galaxy-class starship that is under the command of Captain Marcus Williams. She is fitted with the Dominion War Galaxy offensive and defensive load-out that proved to be highly successful in battle against the Jem'Hadar. Launched in 2372, she participated in many of the war's pivotal battles. Illustrious was temporarily assigned as the ACI's lead science vessel (due to Williams being its founding officer) and is fitted for various scientific research roles, as well as combat (the ship is still assigned to the ACI Guard for times of emergency).
Construction and the Dominion War[]
Illustrious was constructed at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards on Mars and launched in 2372 with a rushed and unfinished configuration, shortly after the destruction of the U.S.S. Odyssey by the Jem'Hadar. The Galaxy-class was the most powerful ship that could be quickly constructed in time for the conflict, but most of the ships of the class that were launched during this time were left without the extensive living quarters, scientific facilities and so on that are commonly associated with these ships.
The ship took part in several key engagements between the Federation and the Dominion, including the First Battle of Chin'toka. She suffered no serious damage during the war, an example of the effectiveness and power of the Galaxy-class as a warship of the era.
Post-Dominion War[]
The Master Systems Display of Illustrious
Illustrious was taken in for an extensive refit after the conclusion of the Dominion War. She was fully fitted with the traditional Galaxy interior features, including luxurious living and entertainment facilities for crewmen and their families, extensive scientific laboratories, and equipment and supplies for long periods away from a starbase.
Captain Marcus Williams took command of the vessel in 2401 and remaineds her commanding officer. She, along with her Captain, were assigned to the Alpha Centauri Institute in 2409 and beame the lead vessel in the fleet's Science Department for a short time (before Williams was temporarily reassigned).
In 2410, Illustrious was given another refit, this time to modernise her tactical capabilities. Her phaser arrays were upgraded to Mark XI standards and her rapid-reload fore and aft torpedo launchers were modified to fire quantum torpedoes, as well as the standard photons.
The ship is currently assigned to Starfleet's on-going exploration efforts, although she is regularly called to assist in the war effort when needed.
