Monthly Awards: January 2025

Petty Officer 1st Class Baris Demir
Quartermaster
USS Firebird

For “Thoughts In The Dark”

A great post about the struggles that one can have with their own identity and where they belong in Starfleet.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Michael Murphy & Lt. Cmdr. Steve Ryan & Lt. Kestra Ral
CO / XO / CSO
USS Montana

For “Checking In”

When the Montana shows up and asks too many questions, the mystery begins, and so does the intrigue.


Funniest Post

Cmdr. Dean House & Lt. Cmdr. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Second Officer / Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For “Come On Join the Joyride”

A great back and forth, funny, but also heart-felt, and there is a great nostalgia when you add in WW2 planes.


Genesis

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Cmdr. Cynfor Rees & Cmdr. Siora Carberos & Lt. Cmdr. Rhiana t’Aegis & Lt. Cmdr. Jörgen Leed & Lt. Owen Woodhouse & Lt. Gale Deekros & Lt. Hank Solomon & Lt. Jackson Smith & Lt. JG Zub Enel & Ens. Emilynn Dove & Crewman Thyra Kevensdotter & Cadet Senior Grade Abigail Gordon
CO / XO / CEO / 2O / CDO / COO / SO / CSO / CIO / SIO / OO / RO / N
USS Firebird

For “Predators Aftermath”

The entire crew coming together to get the start of a mission off with a bang! Depth, intrigue, and off to the Gamma Quadrant, I can’t wait to see where it heads to!


MVP

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

It was almost a foregone conclusion that he would win something this month with his hands in nearly every Washington post. Great work, excellent overall plot, and strong character development for himself and everyone else because of him.


Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

For writing 9 posts.


Most Improved

Ensign Emilynn Dove
Operations Officer
USS Firebird

Participated in four joint posts. She is continually seeking to become a better writer, takes advice well, and makes excellent changes. Still passionate about simming, she has seen an incredible improvement in the last few months.


Rookie of the Month

None this month.


Recruitment

Commander Mashiro Munetani “Shiro”
Executive Officer
USS Wayfarer

Hot on the recruitment trail for both the Wayfarer and the fleet, actively seeking new players.


Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Major Awards 2025

It’s high time we recognize some of the truly amazing simming and online role playing that makes this fleet a special place–a place where people join and stick around.

Congratulations to all of our latest award winners below!

The Special Commendation Medal is awarded for achievement above and beyond the call of duty at the crewmember level.

Special Commendation Medal

Awarded to Lieutenant Owen Woodhouse of the USS Firebird for outstanding role playing. A charter member of the Firebird, he has done it all from writing for a variety of characters to introducing meaningful plot twists to setting up other players to take the lead. A master recruiter, he has brought in four players new to simming and has one Recruitment award win.

Awarded to Lieutenant Commander Rhiana t’Aegis of the USS Firebird for outstanding role playing. A member of the Firebird since shortly after its founding, the detail and nuance of her writing is second to none. She has contributed to multiple post awards and has also been a key leader in managing the ship’s website and teaching and training newer players.

Awarded to Commander Dean House of the USS Sunfire for outstanding role playing. One the remaining transfers from the Sunfire-Liberty sim swap, he continues to be an integral part of the crew. An excellent all around writer, he totals 9.61 awards, good for 15th place all-time, which includes 0.92 Best Posts, 3.18 Funniest Posts, 1 MVP, and 1.5 Recruitment awards.

Awarded to Commander Samantha Howard of the USS Washington for outstanding role playing. A superior simmer in all respects, she has won 5.23 Best Posts, 3.7 Funniest Posts, two Most Posts, and two MVPs, which are part of a grand total of 14.93 total awards, good for sixth place all-time. She simultaneously leads while filling in the gaps.

Awarded to Commander Kevin Lance of the USS Chuck Norris for outstanding role playing leadership. Recently stepping up to the Executive Officer role, he has not missed a beat. Mentoring others while leading high quality collaboration, he currently ranks 9th all-time with 13.4 total awards–an impressive stat line that includes 2.2 Best Posts, two Funniest Posts, seven Most Posts, and two MVPs.

Awarded to Commander Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” of the USS Wayfarer for outstanding role playing leadership. As the Wayfarer’s longtime Executive Officer, he expertly guides both experienced and novice players in working together to creatively advance the plot. He has totaled 2.96 monthly awards across his career that has seen the Wayfarer more than make its mark.

Awarded to Commander Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen of the USS Sunfire for outstanding role playing leadership. As the Sunfire’s longtime Executive Officer, he always knows just what is needed–an update to the website, help to a newer player, or a witty plot twist. He currently ranks 13th all-time with 11.54 total awards, which includes five Most Posts and three MVPs.

Awarded to Captain Michael Murphy of the USS Montana for outstanding role playing leadership. Since promoted to Commanding Officer, he was the prototypical Executive Officer during his long tenure in the position. Winning a variety of awards–0.25 Best Posts, 0.5 Funniest Posts, two MVPs, and two Recruitment awards–he did all the big and little things that mattered.

The Command Excellence Medal is awarded for achievement above and beyond the call of duty at the sim Commanding Officer level.

Command Excellence Medal

Awarded to Captain Akeno Misaki for commanding the USS Wayfarer from 2020 through today for a remarkable 52 total months in command thus far. Known for beginning and facilitating wildly imaginative missions, she has taken home 2.24 Genesis awards and 2.81 Best Posts within her 5.17 total awards. She sets the standard for the modern Commanding Officer.

Monthly Awards: December 2024

With a distinctly medical theme this month:

Commander Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

For “Going Home pt 2”

Short, but with massively vivid description.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Cadet Senior Grade Abigail Gordon & CPO Zenne Beddite
CO / Nurse / Head Nurse
USS Firebird

For “Arriving in Medical”

Great dialog and flow from Sickbay.


Funniest Post

Lieutenant JG Benjamin “Ben” Dalton & Lieutenant JG Kate Kono
Intelligence Officer / Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

For “Vacation a Go-Go!”

Out of control very fast.


Genesis

Captain Rhenora Kaylen
Commanding Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Ramant”

Not a prototypical Genesis post, but I am more than intrigued.


MVP

Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson
Chief Medical Officer
USS Wayfarer

Besides frequently patching up the crew, he had some excellent writing.


Most Posts

Lt. Cmdr. Shoniara T’ghann-Travis
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

For writing 4 posts.


Most Improved

2nd Lieutenant Connor McQueen
Marine Executive Officer
USS Sunfire

Increased his posting with some great description.


Rookie of the Month

None this month.


Recruitment

None this month.


Welcome to 2025!

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

My Favorite Trek: Jonathan Grayson / Savar

Character Name: Jonathan Grayson / Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen

Rank: Commander / Commander

Sim: USS Washington / USS Sunfire

Position: Executive Officer / Executive Officer 

Plus…
Lt. Thomas Haldeman, USS Sunfire, Chief Diplomatic Officer (NPC)
Lt. Jessica Holland, USS Sunfire, Security Officer (NPC)
Crewman John Boy Perriwinlke, USS Sunfire, Media Relations Officer (NPC)
Lt. Wyatt Steele, USS Washington, Chief Strategic Ops Officer (NPC)
Lt.jg. Ben Dalton, USS Washington, Alien Archaeologist/Anthropologist
(NPC)
Lt. Seth Travis, USS Washington, Chief Diplomatic Officer (NPC)

Wow, how do you keep up, and how many times have you posted for one character while intending on posting for another?
lol. It can be a challenge at times, but they are all diverse characters so that helps. I have started to post one character for another, but I’ve caught myself before actually sending it. At least I hope I have!

Favorite Star Trek episode? 
The Doomsday Machine (TOS)

Why? 
Great character study with William Windom playing the guilt ridden Commodore Decker who wants to avenge his crew by destroying his Moby Dick.

Favorite Star Trek series? 
The Original Series

Why?
It was new and exciting, a trailblazer for all the other Trek series and movies that followed.

Favorite Star Trek film?
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Why? 
Great storyline, plus the incomparable Ricardo Montalban returning as Khan.

Favorite Star Trek Captain? 
James T. Kirk, all the way.

What year did you start simming? 
Since dirt came into being. lol.

What sim was it? 
Continuing Voyages

What keeps you simming today? 
The interaction with the other players and writing, seeing, and reading the amazing stories that are created.

Favorite non-simming hobby? 
Building models, reading, writing Trek. 

Favorite non-Trek series? 
Babylon Five

Favorite non-Trek film? 
Planet of the Apes

Favorite book (fiction or non)? 
To Kill a Mockingbird

Favorite video game? 
Don’t have one, sorry.

Favorite musician or band? 
The Beatles

Favorite superhero? 
Green Lantern

If you could have any super power, what would it be? 
Whoa, good question. I guess the power to bend or manipulate time.

Favorite sport? 
Baseball

Favorite team? 
New York Yankees

Favorite food? 
Ham

Coke or Pepsi? 
Pepsi

Lennon or McCartney? 
McCartney

Favorite Bond actor? 
Sean Connery, followed by Daniel Craig.

Star Trek or Star Wars? 
Star Trek, no question about it.

Rank the Trek TV shows from best to worst.
TOS
DSN
TNG
SNW
VOY
ENT
DSC
I don’t rank the animated shows.

Rank the Trek movies from best to worst.
Wrath of Khan, Voyage Home, Search for Spock, Undiscovered Country, Star Trek the movie and Final Frontier. Then, the TNG movies. I don’t count the Abrams movies.
TWOK
TVH
TSFS
TUC
TMP
TFF
Then the TNG movies. I don’t count the Abrams movies.

Rear Admiral James “Rook” Mirtoh
Director of Media
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: November 2024

Best Post (Single Author)

Crewman Thyra Kevensdotter
Security Officer
USS Firebird

For “Coding for a Friend”

Great dialog makes for a great post!


Best Post (Joint Post)

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

For “Delecita Asperelda (Part 2)”

A great ending for a two-parter.


Funniest Post

Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Lt. Cmdr. Callie Raven-Grayson & Lt. JG Kate Kono
XO / CMO / CC / SCP
USS Washington

For “The Mirror & The Reflection”

This crew really knows how to write together, playing off each others’ strengths and setting the stage for the next section.


Genesis

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

For “Guess Whose Coming to Dinner?”

A great start for a mission that can be taken in many different ways.


MVP

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

A sterling example of when quality and quantity meet. Her invaluable postings took the sim to the next level this month.


Most Posts

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 18 posts.


Most Improved

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

Produced excellent contributions in every post she participated in.


Rookie of the Month

Ensign Eiren Readil
Nurse
USS Sunfire

Brand new to simming, he participated in 2 joint posts.


Recruitment

None this month.


Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: October 2024

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Kaelen Voss
Damage Control Specialist
USS Firebird

For “Farewell to the Lenox Hill”

A very well written, heartfelt post.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Celes & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Lt. Cmdr. Callie Raven-Grayson
ACOO / XO / CC
USS Washington

For “What Now?”

Solid! Much like the mighty Oak tree, solid as solid can be!


Funniest Post

Cmdr. Jenna Ramthorne & Lt. Cmdr. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Cmdr. Dean House & Lt. Cmdr. Thriss Kla’ren & Cmdr. Jennifer Baldric
CFCO / CSS / XO / CTO / CEO / MA
USS Sunfire

For “Something to Write Home About”

One has said that it’s hard to bring whales back into the foreground since the last time they were brought into Trek, but here we are, breaking new ground yet again.


Genesis

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Lt. Owen Woodhouse & Lt. Soto Gantt
CO / COO / ACEO
USS Firebird

For “Atmospheric Pressure Light Indicator”

A nice start to what will be a great mystery that the crew no doubt jumps into.


MVP

Lieutenant Kaelen Voss
Damage Control Specialist
USS Firebird

He wrote 6 outstanding posts this month. High quality writing plus participation on different platforms is a quick way to stand out while growing into a position. Well done!


Most Posts

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 24 posts.


Most Improved

Lieutenant Commander Thriss Kla’ren
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Sunfire

The Sunfire’s Chief Engineer returned from a short break to find the Borg onboard and Engineering being invaded. The rest was writing genius.


Rookie of the Month

Ensign Emilynn Dove
Operations Officer
USS Firebird

Brand new to simming, she jumped in with 3 completed joint posts in her first month. She clearly loves Trek and is so eager to learn and participate.


Recruitment

None this month.


Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: September 2024

Best Post (Single Author)

Lt. Soto Gantt
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer
USS Firebird

For “From The Wreckage”

An excellent post of overall story telling.


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Lt. Cmdr. Rhiana t’Aegis & Lt. Cmdr. Jörgen Leed & Lt. Tor Ezzo & Lt. Ceilidh Parsala & WO Arlan Harlan & Lt. JG T’Kuvo
CO / CSTO / CDO / FCO / TS / ACEO / EO
USS Firebird

For “Getting Underway”

The crew of the Firebird again showing that when you mix in all the talent on a sim, the teamwork really does show and shine, well done.


Funniest Post

Cmdr. Jennifer Baldric & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Cmdr. Jenna Ramthorne & Lt. Cmdr. Aurora Vali & Ens. Aubrie Fox
MA / XO / CFCO / CC / TO
USS Sunfire

For “Day 4 – Nearing Home”

When you’re writing for a mission called Lost in Space, you know there is going to but a good little but of fun.


Genesis

Captain Shran dh’Klar & Commander Jonathan Grayson
Commanding Officer / Executive Officer
USS Washington

For “Shadow Games”

with two talented writers contributing to the first post of a mission, you know it’s going to be a ride.


MVP

Commander Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s CMO has a knack for posting just the right thing at just the right time, and for encouraging players outside the game to keep them inspired.


Most Posts

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 20 posts.


Most Improved

Lieutenant Commander Aurora Vali
Chief Counselor
USS Sunfire

Kind hearted, consistent, and always showing respect and integrity, the Sunfire’s Counselor is truly a pleasure to have onboard.


Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant Gale Deekros
Science Officer
USS Firebird

A fantastic writer with three new posts in short order, also active and engaged on Discord!


Recruitment

Lieutenant Owen Woodhouse
Chief Operations Officer
USS Firebird

He brought in two new fantastic writers in one month, and one is brand new to simming.


Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

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

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