Most people don’t realize this, but Galaxy-class starships actually have sufficient crew quarters for up to 2,700 personnel. Until last week, we were operating with just over 1,000. All five of the other Galaxy-class vessels in service currently operate with 2,600 crew; the Enterprise-D will eventually rise to that capacity as well. This ship is so large and expansive, however, that we won’t notice much of a change in the corridors. There is more than enough room, on this ship, for 2,600+ people to live, work, and play.
In addition to the new crew, we’ve seen a few changes in our Main Shuttlebay as well. A number of shuttles have been swapped out for new ones (same vessel classes), and all 12 of our Valkyrie-class fighters have been replaced with 12 slightly smaller Atlas-class fighters (as well as their specialized pilots and technicians). We have also had both of our Pullman-class transport shuttles removed, and replaced with two new Danube-class runabouts in passenger transport configurations. Our cargo runabout, the USS Midway, has also been replaced, with the USS Firefly, a second runabout in standard mission configuration.
Also of note, are two new runabout ops facilities on deck 39, a reconfiguration of space near where our two standard runabouts will be parked (where the Pullman-class transports used to be stored, when not in use). Our new passenger runabouts will claim the runabout parking spots in Main Shuttlebay, on deck 4.
As far as our next assignment, I have not yet been given the green light to publish details, however, I can announce that it will be an exploratory mission. Some of our new crewmembers are specialists who have been assigned for that mission.
Since we are taking on such a large addition to our crew, the Enterprise-D is likely to remain at Earth for another week. Inbound cargo operations will continue during that time.
-Lieutenant Sam Archer
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October 30, 2367 -- (Devron Timeline w/ Temporal War Reset)