Monthly Awards: August 2024

Best Post (Single Author)

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Once is Happenstance”

Not only the usual Most Posts winner, but a clear case showing that quantity doesn’t mean the quality goes down.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Lt. JG Runa Suruga & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr Mark Johnson & Lt. Ileah & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok & Lt. Justin Specter
CO / ACOO / XO / CSTO / CMO / Y / CFCO / CIO
USS Wayfarer

For “Change of Plans”

A great continuation to a suspenseful story from an outstanding writing team that continues to produce time and time again.


Funniest Post

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Time to talk”

Continuing his domination this month with excellent situations and word play.


Genesis

Captain Mira Rodale
Commanding Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “The coldness of space”

A fantastic beginning, and if I know the Chuck Norris, to what will be a wild ride. 


MVP

Lieutenant Imik S’Niohun
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Washington

She was prolific in her writing, driving the story and creating great opportunities for others to jump in.


Most Posts

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 18 posts.


Most Improved

2nd Lieutenant Connor McQueen
Marine Executive Officer
USS Sunfire

Still new to the Sunfire, Connor is showing some awesome potential by bringing the ship’s Marine department to life.


Rookie of the Month

None this month.


Recruitment

None this month.


Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: July 2024

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant JG James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

For “Forget Me Not”

Good character work, and it’s nice to see a different change in pace with times.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie
CO / XO / CSTO
USS Wayfarer

For “Aggressive Negotiations”

Excellent teamwork showing on this one, well done.


Funniest Post

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Laying Down a Mutual Friendship”

Some great humour mixed in with some serious elements. A good balance of both.


Genesis

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Lt. JG Randolf Forst & Lt. JG Hopkins Cobb & Ens. Helle Leed & Ens. Winston Hubblestone
CO / ACSO / SO / B / SO
USS Firebird

For “Back to the Future?”

I am a big fan of seeing these posts being made with such creativity and skill and when not done by just the CO or XO; I know there is a lot of trust as well as imagination and hard work put into this one. 


MVP

Lieutenant Inara Senn
Chief Science Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s Science Officer had a lot of fun this mission with the various scientific aspects, making the mission really feel like a deeply technical Trek episode for everyone else.


Most Posts

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 25 posts.


Most Improved

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s XO returned in full force and really showed how versatile he can be in a less prominent role.


Rookie of the Month

None this month.


Recruitment

None this month.


Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: June 2024

From the Desk of Aurther Winters:

Good day to you all, I apologize that this is coming later than expected, both my introduction, if needed and the awards this month. I can say I look forward to reading and seeing where you take your stories, missions and sims for the foreseeable future. If you require any assistance with anything or help, please feel free to reach out to me, I am more than happy to help. A quick introduction if you’ve made it this far, Hello… hola, Aurther Winters here, former Captain of the only known starship with a roundhouse in its arsenal. I also once went by the name of James Sullivan from the USS Dragon, and if that name rings a bell to you, I’m sorry about your back pain. I have been simming on and off now, for probably almost 20 years now. I don’t make too many promises other than when I judge you, it will be done on top of a mighty floating throne, much like a Q, but with far… far less power. Ad Astra Per Aspera

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign Torog Zakhov
Engineering Officer
USS Washington

For “Argumentative Engineering”

A solid post, filled with just enough backstory, humour and intrigue to keep one wanting more.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Lt. Cmdr. Cynfor Rees & Lt. Cmdr. Rhiana t’Aegis & Lt. Cmdr. Kataxes & Lt. Cmdr. Jörgen Leed & Lt. Tor Ezzo & Lt. Owen Woodhouse & Lt. Jackson Smith & Lt. JG Randolf Forst & Ens. Lun
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / CDO / CFCO / COO / CIO / ACSO / IO
USS Firebird

For “It Takes A Village”

As the title suggests, this is just a fantastic example of what happens when you get the entire crew to contribute in their own ways to make an extremely compelling, well thought out and fantastic story. Well done!


Funniest Post

Lt. Ayana Hillis & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Lt. Imik S’Niohun & Lt. Inara Senn & Lt. JG Kate Kono & Lt. JG James Phoenix & Ens. Torog Zakhov
ACSTO / CMO / CSTO / CSO / IO / TO / EO
USS Washington

For “Promotion Party”

Jokes, dancing and even a few songs will help with a promotion, and make for a very entertaining read.


Genesis

Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Capt. Akeno Misaki
XO / CO
USS Wayfarer

For “Calling For Backup”

The Dynamic duo are back at it again, and bring some nice callbacks from their own past as well as some past Trek, with just the right splash of awkwardness.


MVP

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Wayfarer

It can be hard to come back to writing and have either the same spark you once had, or even get back into the swing and cohesion of things when you miss enough time. The praise from one’s CO about their skill on their return is never something to be overlooked.


Most Posts

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

13 posts is again the most to take this award.


Most Improved

Lieutenant Jackson Smith
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Firebird

Being commended on being the most improved on the ship, while also helping elevate your fellow crewmen and their writing is a great combination.


Rookie of the Month

Ensign Torog Zakhov
Engineering Officer
USS Washington

An engineer, new to the sim, having a Best Post award as well as Rookie of the Month–this is the start of a possible star studded career, and a path, I know all so well. I am excited to see where this will lead.


Recruitment

None this month.


Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

2024 Hall of Fame Inductees

With another year in the books, it is again my great honor and privilege to formally announce the newest members of the Independence Fleet Hall of Fame. As a reminder, induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor this club offers–reserved for those who have demonstrated exemplary service or extraordinary contributions to the fleet, according to the Hall of Fame Charter (pdf). As such, here is your Hall of Fame Class of 2024:

Inducted by Election:

Vice Admiral Krol

of the USS Minerva

A charter member of the fleet, the original and long-time Commanding Officer of the Minerva, and later member of the Admiralty, Krol was an ever-present figure during IDF’s early years. Regardless of the role, he truly immersed himself into his character and the greater Trek universe. Whether in-story or out-of-story, he always fostered an environment of exploration and wonder for others to use.

Lt. Cmdr. T’Vyn

of the USS Victory

The most decorated crewmember of the Victory, T’Vyn was the engine that enabled the sim to be one of the most successful of its era as her seven Most Posts played no small part in the Victory’s 13 posting titles. Boasting 8.5 total awards, she still ranks within the top 20 all-time. Beyond her superior quantity, she was also known to be extremely inventive within the story to empower other writers.

Inducted by the Veterans Committee:

None this year.


Congratulations to each of our 2024 inductees! They continue to provide a timeless example for us still role playing today to follow. The inductees will hereby be remembered forever for their extraordinary service to Independence Fleet. Well done! There are now 43 total members of this most exclusive club.

23rd Anniversary Webcast: July 6th at 7pm Eastern

Beam up to our Discord server this Saturday, July 6th at 7pm Eastern for our 23rd Anniversary Webcast, hosted again by Ken Gillis. Again, that’s July 6th at 7:00 PM ET (-4) / July 7th at 12:00 AM BST (+1). And yes, it will once more include real prizes!

Everyone who won any share of a monthly award from June 2023 through May 2024 had name added to the big wheel below, which we will spin this Saturday for real prizes. All award fractions were rounded up.


Speaking of the big prize wheel, an internal audit of our blog revealed that we never announced the winners from last year’s webcast spin. They were Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell of the USS Sunfire and Captain Shran dh’Klar of the USS Washington. Their prizes were…


What will the prizes be this year? Tune in this Saturday to find out!

Monthly Awards: May 2024

Best Post (Single Author)

Captain James Stewart
Commanding Officer
USS Churchill

For “Help on Its Way”

An excellent amount of back story and intrigue that left me wanting to dive deeper down that rabbit hole on this mission.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Lt. Tor Ezzo & Ens. Nusien & Ens. Gianna Djokovic & PO1 Kipp Lak & PO2 Fhiri
CO / CFCO / FCO / TO / Y / CSS
USS Firebird

For “Screaming in the Silence”

Clearly written by some very talented writers who know how to do a good back and forth and flesh out their characters.


Funniest Post

Lieutenant JG James Phoenix & Lieutenant JG Kate Kono
Tactical Officer / Support Craft Pilot
USS Washington

For “Thunderstruck”

This one tickled in a very nostalgic way, however based on the nickname giving to one of the characters, I hope for a better outcome.


Genesis

Captain Mira Rodale
Commanding Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Who let the cat out?”

Typical of a Commander Officer of the Chuck Norris, a great start to a new chapter. No bias here at all……. dismissed!


MVP

Commander Michael Murphy
Executive Officer
USS Montana

Getting high commendations from the CO about how well you can work independently of them is one of the highest praises you can receive and is well deserved in this case.


Most Posts

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

15 posts leads the way with the fleet.


Most Improved

Lieutenant JG Kate Kono
Support Craft Pilot
USS Washington

A good writer is always trying to improve as they go, and being able to be fun and entertaining is a great mix.


Rookie of the Month

2nd Lieutenant Connor McQueen
Marine Executive Officer
USS Sunfire

New to the sim and Discord, and improving with every new post, excited to see where their career continues to grow.


Recruitment

None this month.


Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: April 2024

Just in the nick of time…

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Tracey Walker
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Hunted”

Great action description!


Best Post (Joint Post)

Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Celes & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Ens. Kate Kono & Ens. James Phoenix
ACOO / XO / CMO / SCP / TO
USS Washington

For “The War With the Machines”

A great bit of collaborative writing!


Funniest Post

Ensign Kate Kono
Support Craft Pilot
USS Washington

For “Heinous Frackery”

I was not expecting that type of crossover!


Genesis

Captain Rhenora Kaylen
Commanding Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Lost in Space”

A great opening with immediate possibilities for the rest of the crew to take the reins.


MVP

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

The Sunfire legend and future Hall of Famer returned with a bang with her patented outstanding posting.


Most Posts

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 20 posts. Lance took over right where his new CO left off–writing the most posts!


Most Improved

Ensign James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

A mainstay of the Washington, Phoenix upped his game with some incredibly well written posts.


Rookie of the Month

None this month.


Recruitment

None this month.


I hope everyone had a great May too!

Monthly Awards: March 2024

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Commander Shoniara T’ghann-Travis
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

For “Running.”

Spooky!


Best Post (Joint Post)

Cmdr. Mira Rodale & Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Lance & Lt. Awal Kronnelti & Lt. Tracey Walker Jr & Lt. Betaras K’ner
XO / CFCO / CSTO / CEO / CMO
USS Chuck Norris

For “Bearding the Lion”

Action packed!


Funniest Post

PO1 Baris Demir & PO2 Thomas Lopt & PO2 Fhiri & Capt. Malcom Llwyedd
Q / CS / CSS / CO
USS Firebird

For “The Dregs”

Those who tick off the quartermaster end up with rusty phasers and itchy undergarments.


Genesis

Captain Dick Sprague
Commanding Officer
USS Albion

For “A Fondness For”

Why is Dick climbing the mountain?


MVP

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Chuck Norris

What can I say, he went from being one of the USS Chuck Norris’ best writers to stepping up and taking the acting XO position to heart both in the story and leading the crew. He has since taken hold of the permanent XO position as if he has been doing it for years!


Most Posts

Commander Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 53 posts. Commander Rodale has since been promoted to Captain and assumed command of the USS Chuck Norris.


Most Improved

Lieutenant Inara Senn
Chief Science Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s Science Officer continues to improve with excellent plot details and interesting ideas for all, which allows the whole crew the opportunity to participate in new and exciting ways.


Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant Imik S’Niohun
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s new Chief Tactical/Security Officer came in like a breath of fresh air and already the enabled the crew to views at things from new angles.


Recruitment

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s XO wisely directed a player to our ship who has integrated well thus far.


Admiral Ken Gillis
Chief of Technology
Independence Fleet

2022 Simulation Cup Winners Announced

The 2022 Simulation Cup (aka Tournament of Simulations / ToS) were finally announced yesterday, and IDF didn’t do so badly. In fact, we took home seven total awards, the most by any club in a single year going all the way back through 2008! Congratulations to the Captains and crews of the USS Sunfire, USS Washington, USS Montana, USS Wayfarer, USS Liberty, USS Chuck Norris, and the USS Eminence. Well done!

Outstanding Star Trek:

Excellent Star Trek:

Great Star Trek:

Star Trek Gameplay:

Again, a performance for the ages from all of you! Look for the 2023 tournament to be announced soon.

Monthly Awards: February 2024

Happy Ides of March, everybody!

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Steve Ryan
Chief Communications and Operations Officer
USS Montana

For “Reapacification”

Duty calls!


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Lt. Cmdr. Cynfor Rees & Lt. Cmdr. Jörgen Leed & Lt. Tor Ezzo & Lt. Owen Woodhouse
CO / XO / CDO / CFCO / COO
USS Firebird

For “This isn’t a Simulator!”

Great action and plot development!


Funniest Post

Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Celes & Lt. Inara Senn & Ens. James Phoenix
ACOO / CSO / TO
USS Washington

For “Following the Evidence”

Great writing!


Genesis

Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Capt. Akeno Misaki & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson & Lt. Ileah & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok & Lt. Rania Bhatti & Lt. JG Patra Rommel
XO / CO / CSTO / CMO / Y / CFCO / CC / CES
USS Wayfarer

For “Revisiting the Past”

A great way to build into the mission.


MVP

Commander Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

The Chuck Norris’s XO continues to set the pace for the ship, even stepping up as the current CO is due to stand down. She expertly leads the ship both in and out of character and is slated to become the full-time CO next month.


Most Posts

Commander Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 49 posts.


Most Improved

Lieutenant Commander Thriss Kla’ren
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Sunfire

The Gunfire’s CEO made outstanding contributions during the month during the CD mini-mission that not only developed her own character but set up great opportunities for others to use as well.


Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant Commander Kataxes
Chief Medical Officer
USS Firebird

The Firebird’s new CMO jumped into simming with a radically different and unique character, and is not only pulling it off, but crushing it.


Recruitment

None this month.


The great posting continues!