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

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: 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

Happy 23rd Anniversary, Independence Fleet

Happy 23rd anniversary, Independence Fleet! For anyone new and not aware or simply not wanting to do the math, this club was founded all the way back on July 4, 2001. Continuing a tradition we began a few years ago, here is a message from a special guest:

What else do we have for this year? You might remember the 20th Anniversary Almanac that we published three years ago. Well, we got the cover page signed by none other than Star Trek legend William Shatner:

pdf | jpg

A closer view of the signature:


In case you were wondering, the cover photo at the top is indeed based on the greatest Star Trek selfie ever taken by LeVar Burton. Thank you to Captain Misaki for creating our header image two years in a row.

I almost forgot, we have a second message this year too:

Happy anniversary, IDF! Here’s to 23 years and much more!

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!

Monthly Awards: January 2024

Happy Valentine’s Day, everybody!

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

For “All These Years”

A wonderfully written post!


Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson & Lt. Ileah & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok & Lt. Vrax tr’Keirianh
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / Y / CFCO / CSO
USS Wayfarer

For “Robbed Blind”

Great interaction among multiple players!


Funniest Post

Lt. Sarah Wilson & SCPO Ronson Mitchell & Ens. Kitiuas Thenis & Remal Kajun
MO / Y / SO / CA
USS Sunfire

For “Kit go down the hole”

To quote Montgomery Scott: “Up your shaft.”


Genesis

Captain Michael Intermeezo
Commanding Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Heading Out”

A lot of possibilities to explore!


MVP

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Chuck Norris

Racking up an amazing 26.5 posts this month, Mr Lance has pushed the mission forward and had an impressive impression on the crew. His promotion to Lt Cmdr and second officer is a reflection of his hard work.


Most Posts

Commander Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 45 posts.


Most Improved

Lieutenant Ileah
Yoeman
USS Wayfarer

Lieutenant Ileah has been doing really well these past few weeks. Actively contributing to the posts and really pushing forward with his character developments. He has come a long way since joining the Wayfarer! Also he had a lot of RL problems and its nice to see him overcoming them and finally getting back into his writing.


Rookie of the Month

None this month.


Recruitment

None this month.


What a great start to the year!