The original USS Independence was a Miranda II class destroyer, registry number NCC-60575, under the command of Rear Admiral Joe Sansone [KIA]. The Independence was the flagship of 6th Squadron, Omega Fleet/FDTF. She was decommissioned after fighting gallantly and receiving extensive damage at the Battle of Partonis IV while under the temporary command of her First Officer, Commander John Bell Hood.
Thirty-one members of the crew lost their lives, one of which received the Federation Medal of Honor. Petty Officer William Cole was postumously awarded the medal for the heroic rescue of 12 crewmen from a phaser-coolant leak. Shuttlecraft Number 2 aboard the new Independence/A is named USS Cole in honor of him.
The new USS Independence, registry number NCC-60575/A, is an Akira-class Heavy Cruiser. Captain John Bell Hood was assigned as her first Commanding Officer. She was constructed in Array One, Embassy Fleetyards, Sol and was initially assigned to 5th Squadron, Omega Fleet/FDTF.
Her first mission, completed Stardate 58207.22, was a classified tasking from Starfleet Intelligence along the Romulan Neutral Zone. The Independence and her crew also played a vital role in the conflict with the GIU Pirates, leading a task force around to the vulnerable rear of the Pirate formation, devestating the attacking fleet.
Upon her return, the Independence was placed in drydock at SS Acropolis, to replace her port nacelle, damaged in the battle. When her repairs were completed, the 'Indy' was assigned to 4th Squadron, Alpha Fleet, along the Cardassian border.
Shortly thereafter, Captain Hood retired, and Commander Joseph D'arz was promoted to Captain and placed in Command. The Independence was reassigned to 6th Squadron, Omega Fleet/FDTF.
The Independence's first mission under her new Captain was to respond to a Class One Medical Emergency in the Daros system. The crew became embroiled in the unstable political situation there, with several Starfleet officers being taken hostage at one point. However, a coup de'tat by anti-government forces resulted in a more stable ruling body, which in turn led to better relations with the Darosians.
On Stardate [Classified], during a routine patrol of the Romulan Neutral Zone, the Independence encountered an alien creature of enormous telepathic power. [section deleted] During the mission several members of the crew were killed by alien creatures, which were later found to be under the control of the telepathic alien. When freed of it's domination, they turned on the alien, destroying it. [section deleted] Upon the Independence's return to SS Acropolis, a routine investigation was performed by the JAG department, and the Command Crew subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing.
[Portions of this report have been classified, and are available only to Command Officers with Level 2A clearance.]