Special Operation: Special Service Vessels

Overview

The Special Operations: Special Service Vessels Section (Q Ships) is a department of the Special Operations Division which in its self is a division of Starfleet Intelligence (SFI). Its primary mandate and focus is on anti-pirating operations with in the Federations and Allied space. Its duties include the tracking down and capture of pirates that are attacking convoys. The apprehended pirates are then handed over to the Starfleet Intelligence for prosecution with the help of Starfleet Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG).

History of Special Service Vessels

They were first used in the First World War in 1915 on earth to try and combat the German U-boats submarines. The ship would appear to be an easy target, but in fact carried hidden armaments. By seeming to be a suitable target for the U-boat's deck gun, the ship might encourage the U-boat captain to make a surface attack rather than use one of his limited number of torpedoes. Once the U-boat was vulnerable, the Q-ship's panels would drop to reveal the deck guns, which would immediately open fire. This lead to its first victory on the 23 June 1915.

During the Second World War the use of Special Service Vessels were used by all sides with varying degrees of success.

There was mention of their use in the Third World War but records are inconclusive to what susses they had in the war.

Special Service Vessels were used for convoy protection and anti-pirating duties

The war between the Romulan Star Empire and Earth in 2156.

To the Dominion War in 2373

Used more intensely in the Federation Civil War in 2406

With the end of the Federation Civil War the Special Service Vessels were returned to their anti-pirating duties.

Vessel Specification

Most starships that are used for Special Service Vessels are based on the freighter or transport specifications. The merchantman design is the most widely used due to the large amount of merchantman being used across the alpha and beta quadrants. There are other hull designed used for the Gamma quadrant. These starships have been designed and built form the hull up as a special service vessels rather then just taking a merchantman or freighter and changing it into a special service vessel. This makes the vessels tougher and more likely to survive any confrontation. It also makes it more easier to install its tactical and weapons system along with status chambers for the captured pirates. The Free Booster Class is the latest design to be fitted into the merchantman hull.

Operational Sector

The Special Service Vessels are deployed to different parts of the alpha and beta quadrants they have a number of sector bases which they work from.

Starfleet Intelligence Headquarters: Earth

Alpha Quadrant Headquarters: CLASSIFIED

Beta Quadrant Headquarters: CLASSIFIED

• Sector 21912 Sector Headquarters: Starbase Geneva

Gamma Quadrant Headquarters CLASSIFIED

Sector 21912 Headquarters

Sector 21912 was designated a sector headquarters with the discovery of the subspace river and the mobilisation of the 52nd fleet into the area. It was decided that sector 21912 should have its own headquarters which would be assigned to the 52nd fleet to provide anti-pirating and special operations as required. The vessels that are assigned to Sector 21912 predominantly for the use of patrolling the sector but if the need arises they can be assigned other quadrants as needed.

Mobile Operations

A times there is need for a mobile deployment. This is a group of starships or a starbase which had a detachment of officer stationed on board. This can be for quicker deployment to a deal with situations to data gathering as well as more clandestine mission.