USS Black Hawk NCC-75004 - Recently Updated Pages

Fortune Favors the Bold...

captshiloh — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:25:12 CDT

USS BLACK HAWK NCC-75004
Starbase ROCKFORD

INTRODUCING THE

USS AURORA
NX-72701
NOVA Class Starship
The USS Black Hawk will serve as the Aurora's Support Ship

SPECIAL PLEA: WE ARE IN NEED OF STARFLEET MEMBERS!
Local, area and correspondent members!
All unassigned members of STARFLEET are welcome!
GO TO A SPECIAL REQUEST

To Contact the Commanding Officer
CLICK HERE

To obtain paraphernalia with the Black Hawk & Shiloh Logos
Visit the USS Black Hawk Ship's Exchange (BHSX) at Cafepress

The Black Hawk Star Trek Fan Association is a Fan Club like no other. Its primary goal is to bring not only Trekkers and Trekkies into fellowship of fun and activities, but to all Science Fiction Genre, such as fans of Star Wars, Doctor Who, Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica and Battletech, to name a few. We're also into fantasy based games and stories, such as Dungeons & Dragons and Car Wars. With the creation of the 'home-port' for the USS Black Hawk, STARBASE Rockford, it truly makes the USS Black Hawk a worth wild STAR TREK Fan Club to JOIN!

We also get into the real life experiences of being a part of the human race. We have established charities, such as the 'Adopt A Monument' program at Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee and the Ronald McDonald House Charities 'Pull Tab' Contribution program. We study space exploration, computer sciences and environmental concerns.

Some are into the military aspects of the STAR TREK universe, such as the Starfleet Marines and MACO. We also love to write. Some of our members have had stories published in various fanzines and on the Internet, thus leading to the creation of our Internet Fanzine site - USS Black Hawk Fan Fiction site (formerly known as STAR TREK: Shiloh). We also go to conventions, summits and gatherings where other TREKKERS are. And our regular meetings are designed to keep our members informed and to have fun.

The USS Black Hawk has been a chapter of STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Association, Inc. since 1995. The Black Hawk is also affiliated with the Cha'ouw Empire: A Star Trek Fan Association (in it's various forms since 1999). All members are automatically enrolled in the Cha'ouw Empire unless requested that you do not wish to be enrolled. Membership in the Cha'ouw Empire is FREE. Membership in STARFLEET is NOT.

263rd MSG Roster

captshiloh — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:33:48 CDT

Officer In Charge (OIC)
Major James Craig (r), Chief Security Officer, USS Black Hawk

Deputy Officer In Charge (DOIC)
First Lieutenant William Hof, SFMC, Chief Operations Officer, USS Black Hawk

Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge
First Sergeant Glenn Hicks, Jr., SFMC

Members

Lieutenant General Jeffery Higdon (r) Commanding Officer, USS Black Hawk

Brigadier General Karen Higdon (r), Second Officer, USS Black Hawk

Colonel Thomas Moore (r) Executive Officer, USS Black Hawk

Colonel Christopher Higdon (r) Conn Officer, USS Black Hawk

Colonel Robert Baker (r), Captain of Engineering, USS Black Hawk

Lieutenant Colonel John Moore (r), Chief Medical Officer, USS Black Hawk

Lieutenant Colonel Emily Higdon (r) (On detached service to USMC)

Second Lieutenant Rick Craig, Chief Science Officer, USS Black Hawk

Second Lieutenant Eric Parker (r)

Chapter Roster

captshiloh — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:25:24 CDT

Command Staff
Position	Name	Rank

Executive	Committee:
Commanding	Jeffery Higdon	Vice Admiral

First Officer	Thomas Moore	Captain

2nd Officer	Karen Higdon	Commodore

Chief Purser	VACANT

Conn Officer (Honorary)	Christopher Higdon	Captain


Divisional Chiefs:
Engineering	Robert Baker	Captain
Medical	John Moore	Commander
Operations	William Hof	First Lieutenant
Communications	VACANT
Computer Operations	VACANT
Science	Rick Craig	Second Lieutenanat
Security	James Craig	Lt. Commander
Chaplian	VACANT
Counselor	VACANT
Quartermaster	VACANT
263rd Marine Strike Group NCOIC	Glenn Hicks	First Sergeant

Crew:

Captain's Yeoman	Emily Higdon
	Len Dorman
	Gail Thomas

Hawk's Tallon's - 263rd MSG

HessianRaptor — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:40:45 CDT

263rd MSG, 2nd Battalion, 12th Brigade, STARFLEET Marine Corps

First Lieutenant William Hof

HessianRaptor — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:33:28 CDT

Personnel File

Fictional Persona in the Star Trek Universe

Name: William J Hof
Rank: First Lieutenant
Affiliation: Star Fleet Marine Corps
Branch of Service: Aerospace
Current Assignment: Deputy Officer in Charge, 263rd Marine Strike Group (provisional)

Personal Data

Date of Birth: 28 July 2352
Age: 26
Height: 178cm (5’10”)
Weight: 86kg (190lbs)
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Home World: Chicago, North America, Earth
Father: Henry
Mother: Louise
Step Brother: George
Brother: Michael
Sister: Susanne

Personal and Service History

The eldest of three children, William was born into what could only be described as a common family on Earth in 2352. During his formative years, William led a quiet and uneventful life. Except for some minor run-ins with the law and the normal lawlessness that describes the human adolescent, his one standout was an acute understanding of history and interplanetary politics. Even during secondary school William carried himself as a mature individual with an equally mature understanding of the universe around him. Described as a loner by most, he is actually quite personable once he gets to know someone. Constantly reading on the subjects of history, sociology, and military tactics and strategy, he is well read and has well supported opinions on most any subject. He is at his best when in an intellectual discussion with another well informed person.

His family was never really involved in Star Fleet or even the explorer type. Only his fraternal Grandfather ever joined Star Fleet, and that was just as an enlisted yeoman for a two-year period. His father debated joining during the Cardassian Wars, but due the sporadic nature of those conflicts and the fact he had recently started a family with his first wife he never joined. However William and his siblings all somehow found their way into public service; William in Star Fleet, his brother Michael a Parrises Squares Coach at the University of Buenos Aries and his sister Susanne a primary school music teacher in London.

When William took the entrance exam for the Academy he barely passed and had to work hard during his tenure there in order to graduate; he succeeded, graduating in the 80th percentile as a Midshipman Lieutenant. He was command track in the academy and looked forward to being a helmsmen on a starship, preferably a Defiant or Saber-class where he could fly by the seat of his pants. Being on the cadet flight team, Nova Squadron, during his fourth year would have definitely helped getting such an assignment except for the start of the Dominion War.
When the war broke out a mere four months after graduation the Federation was surprised on how effective the Jem’Hadar Attack Ships were and rushed to get the Peregrine fighter program up to the same standard. Always being a top notch shuttle pilot, William was pulled from his assignment aboard the Akira-class USS Great Spirit and sent immediately to an abbreviated fighter training program. Deployed shortly thereafter, he was assigned to an Excelsior-class ship, the USS Gorkan, which had been modified to carry 18 Peregrine Fighters. The Gorkan was unfortunately deployed with the Seventh Fleet before the attack on the Tyra System, and was destroyed in that battle; and of the 18 fighters it carried, only three returned.

According to the logs from his fighter, William managed to destroy or cripple no less than three Jem’Hadar attack ships and according to reports, almost single handedly cover the withdraw of the Nebula-class USS T’Kumbra. However his success was not without the cost of his confidence. Scared by this incident he found it hard to prosecute attacks fully, he would constantly come to the aid of others at the sacrifice of his mission. He was concerned that if was not worried about others, another massacre like the one in the Trya System would be repeated.
Luckily after the battle, he was assigned to the Ambassador-class USS Gandhi, which lacking the agility to out maneuver smaller ships, lent its six fighter compliment well to the defense. While on board, he sought the help of the ship’s counselor to solve his feelings of apprehension; with her help and the help of his fellow squadron mates he was able to pull himself from the brink. When the Gandhi participated in Operation Return, William was back in fighting form and conducted himself well during the battle. Again proving his skills, he managed to destroy or cripple over five Jem’Hadar and Cardassian attack ships, and participate in the destruction of a Jem’Hadar Battle Cruiser and two Cardassian Galors. The Gandhi was not so lucky however, it suffered crippling damage and with her remaining fighter compliment was towed back to Earth for refit and repairs. It is noteworthy to mention that during the battle, General Martok’s ship was in the inevitable position of being in the sights of two Galors and a Keldon. Seeing this, however William didn’t know it was Martok captaining the vessel, he rallied his flight and a flight of Klingon fighters to rescue Martok from this critical situation. This rescue was accomplished by sheer force of will, especially when dealing with the Klingon fighters who were thinking only of personal glory.

After the battle Martok was grateful enough to share a song and chalice of bloodwine with the intimidated Ensign. However, he surprised the General and his crew by demonstrating his knowledge of Klingon culture and a personality that allowed him to participate fully in the victory feast. During the feast, William endeared himself to the ship’s weapon’s officer so much so that the Klingon gave him his D’k tahg knife and offered to make him a member of his house. William accepted gratefully because he has always been fascinated by the Klingon culture and being made part of a Klingon house, no matter how minor, was a dream come true. And till the day he dies the Crest of the House No’gath, the bat’leth, and the D’k tahg will always hang in a place of honor.

When William returned to Earth he was given two things he greatly deserved, a promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade and one week leave. However, the war seemed to follow him home. Not hours after reporting to San Francisco for assignment after his leave the Breen launched their infamous raid on Star Fleet Headquarters. Even though he had recovered from the mental wounds from the Battle of the Tyra System, those memories came flooding back while watching the attack. Not knowing the extent of the attack, he nevertheless commandeered an unattended Marine F-9D Fighter, what he thought was just a normal Type 9 shuttle, and rose to defend the planet. Adapting quickly to the controls, he managed to down two fighters and escort a civilian transport to safety before returning the fighter to Star Fleet Headquarters slightly worse for wear. Because he had stolen the fighter Star Fleet only gave William a commendation and not a full medal, but he did manage to impress a few Marine Generals with his skill and tenacity; a fact that would serve him well later.

In the lull that the war became, because of the Breen’s energy dissipation weaponry, William found himself on patrols while attached to the Galaxy-class USS Galaxy. Mainly serving to be an emergency force should the Klingons need forces to cover any withdraw. When the Federation was able to counter the Breen weapon, the Galaxy was assigned to the Ninth fleet for the drive on Caradassia.
Serving well in the battles to come, William created an even greater name for himself with his skill and courage under fire. By the time the Treaty of Bajor was signed William had racked up over fourteen enemy fighters, destroyed or crippled, and participated in the destruction or crippling of six enemy capital ships; including one in which William got singlehandedly with a lucky torpedo spread that ruptured the anti-matter storage pods on a Cardassian Keldon seconds after its shields failed. William will always say that it was a “one in a Q-like number” that he got the kill, but he nevertheless takes pride in the fact that he is one of the incredibly few officers that can say he downed an enemy capital ship in a fighter.

After the war, William was looking forward to a continued career in the fighter program, but fate had other ideas. With the loss of so many ships during the war, Star Fleet had to scrap most of their fighter force in order to rebuild the fleet, leaving William to contemplate his life back as a command track officer. When he returned to Earth for the decommissioning of his squadron and reassignment, William stumbled upon the Marine Corps Aerospace Branch. He was informed that the Marine Corps was retaining their fighter force and even slightly expanding it to cover the gaps left by the retirement of so many Fleet fighter squadrons. Intrigued, William immediately petitioned for reassignment to the Marine Corps, even going as far as threatening to resign his commission in order to re-up with the Marines. It was then that those Marine Generals he had impressed during the attack on San Francisco stepped in. Giving a little pull on the red tape that is the Star Fleet bureaucracy, they managed to get William his reassignment.
However, their generosity came with a price; William would need to take all the schooling required to be a Marine officer as quickly as possible. William relished the chance to prove himself and justify the confidence those Generals had placed in him. In a year and a half he managed to complete the schooling nessacary to be a Marine First Lieutenant in the Aerospace Branch. Shortly after that he was sent to the Aerospace’s Black Flag school in order to get the knowledge of fighter combat out of his brain and disseminate it throughout the Corps. Shortly after finishing his tour with Black Flag, William was sent to Command College in order to prep him for leadership in the Corps. After Command College, he was given the assignment as Deputy Officer in Charge of the 263rd Marine Strike Group (provisional). His job was to help form the core of the unit to serve on the Sovereign-class USS Black Hawk. Never embarking a true MSG before and having a wide range of missions that the ship wanted their Marine Detachment to accomplish would be a test of not only his leadership but whether or not he could function as a Marine.

Command Staff positions and duties

captshiloh — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:43:03 CDT

Description of the COMMAND STAFF

The Command Staff, consisting of the Executive Committee and the Divisional Chiefs, is the group of officers/members of the USS Black Hawk that oversees the running of the starship and each division which is part of this starship. The criteria for being a member of the Command Staff are that they be a member in good standing in STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc., at the time they are appointed, that they be willing to take the Officer Training School, in order to be an officer and willing to take OTS and some courses in their chosen field/division.

Description of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee is the group of officers that act as the leaders of the starship. They consist of two (2) elected officers, the Commanding Officer, and the Executive (First) Officer, and two appointed officers, the Second (2nd) Officer and the Chief Purser. The Executive Committee also acts as the Promotion Board.

Members of the executive Committee should live close enough to meet periodically and should not be correspondent members. The Commanding Officer is allowed to make exceptions.

Honorary positions, which are non voting, are Commanding Officer Emeritus, which is the senior former Command Officer, which only one former commanding officer can sit at, and the Conn Officer, who is a disabled person who has served on the Command Staff temporarily, who in are non-voting members of the Executive Committee.

The Conn Officer is a special position and will be eliminated when that officer leaves the starship.

The members of the Executive Committee are the officers who run the chapter in it's official business. It acts as an advisory board for the Commanding Officer when the Command Staff is unable to meet, and can enact changes to the By-Laws, which can be overturned by either the Commanding Officer or entire Command Staff. The Command Staff cannot make changes to the constitution.

Description of each position

COMMANDING OFFICER
The Commanding Officer is the President, Chairperson and Chief Operating Officer of the Starship/Chapter. The Commanding Officer is an Exo-Facto member of each division and any committees established but cannot chair committees. If there is no Chief for a particular division, he is the default chief until someone is appointed. The Commanding Officer is the designated 'Publisher' for the ComBadge. In accordance with STARFLEET regulations, the Commanding Officer may promote any member of the starship/chapter up to the rank of Commander. The Commanding Officer may also appoint crew members to any open position. The title 'Captain' is reserved only for the Commanding Officer, regardless of the actual rank of that person. The minimum rank for the CO, per STARFLEET regulations, is Captain or the Marine equivalent.

The Commanding Officer is an elected position and can only be filled by either election or succession of the Executive Officer or the ranking officer (2O, CEngO, etc) or senior ranking division based on rank, time as a member of the starship/chapter then then time in rank.

The current Commanding Officer is Vice Admiral Jeffery Higdon

EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Executive (First) Officer is the Vice President, Vice Chair Person and Vice Chief Operating Officer of the Starship/Chapter. The Executive Officer is second in command behind the Commanding Officer and succeeds the Commanding Officer in case of death, resignation or impeachment. The Executive Officer oversees the Divisional Chiefs in their duties and acts as a go between between the crew and the Commanding Officer if necessary. The Executive Officer must have successfully completed the STARFLEET Academy OTS and OCC in order to serve in this position. The Executive Officer can hold the honorary title of 'Number One' if the Commanding Officer chooses. The minimum rank of the XO, per STARFLEET Regulations, is Commander or the Marine equivalent

The Executive Officer is an elected position however the Commanding Officer can and will appoint an officer of his or her choosing if the position is vacant.

The Current Executive Officer is Captain Thomas Moore.

SECOND OFFICER
The Second Officer is the Secretary for the Starship and Chapter. The Second Officer is third in command behind the Executive Officer for the Starship. The Second Officer shall keep minutes of all meetings of the starship/chapter (other than on the Internet), meetings of the Command Staff and the Executive Committee meetings and shall be the official record holder of these meetings. Copies of the minutes are to be transmitted to the Chief Communications Officer for publication in the ComBadge and as well as the Chief Operations Officer for archiving. The Minimum Rank of the 2O is Lieutenant Commander of the Marine equivalent.

The Current Second Officer is Fleet Captain Karen Higdon.

COMMANDANT, USS BLACK HAWK SHIP'S ACADEMY CADET CORPS
The Commandant of the USS Black Hawk Cadet Corps, also known as the Ship's Academy, oversees the youth activities and training of our youth.

The Current Commandant is Fleet Captain Karen Higdon.

CHIEF PURSER
The Chief Purser is the Treasurer of the starship/chapter and a member of the Executive Committee. The Purser shall keep track of all monies and is one of four (4) persons that is able to distribute monies on behalf of the starship/chapter. The Purser, with approval of the Commanding Officer, shall establish any bank accounts needed and shall be listed as one of the four officers on each account. If a checking account is established it is required that two of the four officers (Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Second Officer and Chief Purser) be required to to sign any checks on behalf of the starship/chapter. The minimum rank of the Chief Purser is Lieutenant or the Marine Equivalent.

SENIOR CHAPLAIN
The Senior Chaplain (or just Chaplain) is head of the Starship's Chaplain Corps. The Chaplain begins each meeting with a prayer in accordance to his/her faith or coordinates and designates the prayer between designated Chaplains (the Senior Chaplain cannot word or chose how a prayer is offered). The Senior Chaplain has the minimum rank of Lieutenant, or the Marine equivalent. Other Chaplains aboard this starship holds the minimum rank of Lieutenant, j.g. or the Marine equivalent.

CAPTAIN of ENGINEERING
The Captain of Engineering (Chief Engineering Officer) oversees the transportation and engineering of the the starship. Minimum rank of the CEO is Lieutenant, j.g. or the Marine equivalent.

The current Captain of Engineering is Captain Robert Baker. Captain Baker is the Senior Division Chief due to both rank and time in chapter

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
The Chief Communications Officer oversees the communications for the starship. This includes the publication of the chapter newsletter, The ComBadge, and the chief moderator for the official mailing list. The minimum rank for the CCO is Lieutenant,j.g. or the Marine equivalent.

CHIEF COMPUTER OPERATIONS OFFICER
The Chief Computer Operations Officer oversees the computer and software needs of the starship. The minimum rank of the CCompOpO is Lieutenant, j.g. or the Marine equivalent.

CHIEF COUNSELOR
The Chief Counselor, or Counselor oversees the mental needs of the starship. Minimum rank for the Chief Counselor is Lieutenant,j.g. or the Marine equivalent.

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
The Chief Medical Officer oversee the first aide and medical training needs of the starship/chapter. The minimum rank of the Lieutenant or the Marine equivalent.

The current Chief Medical Officer is Commander John Moore.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
The Chief Operations Officer is in charge of records and the history of the starship. The minimum rank of the COpsO is Lieutenant, j.g. or the Marine equivalent.

The current Chief Operations Officer is First Lieutenant William Hof, SFMC

OFFICER-IN-CHARGE/NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER-IN-CHARGE
The Officer/Non-Commissioned Officer -in-Charge represents the 263rd Marine Strike Group, the Hawk's Talons, on the Command Staff. It is at the discretion of the OIC who serves in this position unless the OIC is a member of the Executive Committee (except the Commanding Officer Emeritus), then the NCOIC serves. Minimum Rank of this position, if an officer, is First Lieutenant, or if a NCO, Staff Sergeant.

Our current OIC is Major James Craig; Our current NCOIC is First Sergeant Glenn Hicks, Jr.

CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER
The Chief Science Officer oversees the Science Division other than those for Medicine. Minimum rank for the CSciO is Lieutenant, j.g. or the Marine equivalent

Our current Chief Science Officer is Second Lieutenant Rick Craig.

CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER
The Chief Security Officer is in charge of security at meeting and events. The Chief Security Officer acts as the Sergeant-at-Arms during meetings. Minimum rank for the CSecO is Lieutenant, j.g. or the Marine equivalent.

The current Chief Security Officer is Lieutenant Commander James Craig

Other Division Chiefs may be created at the discretion of the Commanding Officer or by vote of the Executive Committee.

10. Chief Operations Officer

captshiloh — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:12:30 CDT

Assigned Officer:

First Lieutenant William Hof, SFMC

In the Star Trek Universe

The Chief of Operations, or operations manager, is a position which became common in the 24th century. The position is the hub for all the activities on board a ship or station, all its activities from power management to who uses the sensor pallets and when falls under his preview. The Operations Officer is typically manned by a member of the command staff of a starship, regardless of seniority. On the USS Enterprise-E, Lieutenant Commander Data was also the second officer, but on the USS Voyager, Ensign Harry Kim was the most junior bridge officer. Also the Operations Officer must act as the bridge science officer, because on many ships the Science Department, other than Medical, doesn’t usually have a seat on the command staff, the Operations Officer usually has to act as their voice during staff meetings. This lends itself well to that fact because Operations is the hub for all sensor and scientific data generated by the ships systems and personnel during emergency or battle situations.

On the USS Black Hawk a chapter of STARFLEET

Since the duties of the Operations Manager do not translate well outside the universe of Star Trek, or a military organization, the status of the position is greatly reduced; so much so that the officer holding the position does not have a seat on the senior staff. The primary duties of the position in the “real” world are historian and records officer. All records from meeting and the history of the chapter are his responsibility to maintain and keep up to date.

9. Chief Security Officer

mm2james — Sat, 31 May 2008 02:23:28 CDT

Lieutenant Commander James Craig

History of the USS Shiloh NCC-74683 (1996-1998)

captshiloh — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:53:10 CDT

History of the USS Shiloh NCC-74683

On 23 March 1996, the USS Shiloh, NCC-74683, was commissioned as a full fledged starship of STARFLEET at MidSouthCon 23, which was held in Memphis, Tennessee. Representing the Shiloh was Captain Jeffery Higdon and Lieutenant Commander Timothy Raines. The commissioning, done in concert with the commissioning of the USS Mark Twain, and the USS Shekmet, was done by Vice Chief of Operations, STARFLEET, Commodore Deborah Leafy, who also commanded the mothership USS Alacrity, NCC-1881.

On 13 April 1996 the Shiloh received a Certificate of Appreciation from the US National Park Service for their work in the Adopt a Monument program. This same day, a Model of the USS Shiloh was christened at Shiloh National Military Park.

The yearly Shiloh Ship's Awards was developed to give the crew some much need recognition on a local level. The winners are picked by the Executive Committee upon the recommendation of the Division Officers. The Cadet of the Year is picked by the Commandant, Ships Cadet Corps; Only NCOs, Junior Officers (Ensigns and Lieutenant, j.g.) on the day of selection, which is the 7th day of December of each year, who qualify for these awards. All members who qualify for the Officer of the Year. Correspondent Crewmember of the Year is picked from all members of the Shiloh who do not live in the greater Rock River Area. Both Crewmember and Correspondent Crewmember of the Year are picked from all members regardless of status. The basic criteria changed in 1997 awards when the Shiloh became Starfleet Central, which merged with Federated Alliance in 1998, and thus qualifying for rank in Federated Alliance and also was affected by the move of the chapter from Henderson to Rockford. The DSA is awarded by the Commanding Officer. The criteria for the DSA, which was determined by the Commanding Officer, is determined by participation and contribution to the chapter. The name was changed to the USS Black Hawk Ship's Awards in 1999. In 2000 the DSA has been renamed the USS Shiloh Distinguished Service Award, in honor of the former name of the chapter.

On November 13, 1996, the USS Providence, NCC-71796, Gemini Class Starship, out of Jackson, Tennessee, staged her commissioning ceremonies at the Community Center in Cedar Grove, Tennessee. Members of the USS Shiloh and the USS Sehkmet, out of Millington, Tennessee, participated in the event. Captain John McGill (Sehkmet) and Captain Jeffery Higdon (Shiloh) 'christen' the newly minted Captain - - Warren Price by pouring a glass of water over his head.

At the end of 1996, Region One awarded the USS Shiloh the Unit Distinguished Service Award. This was the second straight year the Shiloh crew was awarded a Region One DSA.

During the weekend of January 31-February 2, 1997, officers and crew of the USS Shiloh boarded the USS Mark Twain, the University of Memphis, in order to help stage TigerCon I. On February 1, 1997, during TigerCon I, it was announce that Five Starships: USS Alacrity, Commodore Deborah Leafey, Commanding; USS Mark Twain, Captain Karen Cushing, Commanding; USS Providence, Captain Warren Price, Commanding; USS Sehkmet, Captain John McGill, Commanding; USS Shiloh, Captain Jeffery Higdon, Commanding. Formed a new ensemble of starships to be called the MidSouth Squadron. The USS Sehkmet was later decommissioned by STARFLEET. The USS Alacrity changed it's name to the USS Aeon in 1998 The USS Shiloh withdrew from the Squadron in the summer of 1997 because of its move to Illinois. The Squadron was re-established by the members of the USS Aeon, USS Mark Twain, USS Providence and Nikola Tesla Station in 1999. The USS Black Hawk is considered an honorary member of the squadron.

On March 22, 1997, the USS Shiloh with the assistance of the Commander and the First Officer of the USS Mark Twain, celebrated its' Second Anniversary as a Fan Club and its First Anniversary as a Full Fledged Starship.

The day begins with a trip to Shiloh National Military Park. A brief prayer service to honor the dead of Shiloh is held at the Cemetery Commemoration Monument. Then the participants clean the monuments and gravestones surrounding the monument, including the gravestone of the Shiloh Drummer Boy.

After the cleaning a tour of the park via van was taken. Lieutenant Robert Baker, Engineering Officer, USS Shiloh joined the tour. The entourage returned to Henderson for rest and readiness for the party.

The party was attended by all above as well as others from the USS Providence.

The USS Shiloh was one of three chapters that were nominated for Best Shakedown Cruise for Region One. During the Region One Conference in Gatlinburg the USS Tycho was given the award. The other nominee was the USS Rutledge.

On Stardate 9708.14 the USS Shiloh officially left the confines of Region One to enter a new Region - Region 12, and a new Port - Rockford/Loves Park/Machesney Park, Illinois. This was done after Commanding Officer, Captain Jeffery Higdon and First Officer, Commander Karen Higdon announced to the crew that their family was moving in order for the captain to accept a job opportunity, and because no other crewmember was qualified, according to STARFLEET regulations, that the USS Shiloh would have to be disbanded. It was when STARFLEET Chief of Operations, Tom Monaghan, stepped in and suggested that his office would likely allow a move of the city of charter provided certain criteria was made. Thereafter a vote of the crew was taken with a unanimous vote in the affirmative to allow the move to take place. Both Region One Coordinator, Linda Smith, and Region Twelve Coordinator, Mike Malotte also approved the move, citing that neither coordinator wished to loose a valued chapter. It was then STARFLEET Operations approved the move from Henderson, Tennessee to the new City of Charter to Rockford, Illinois.

The USS Shiloh held it's first official meeting in the Rockford Area on 20 September 1997 at Tomorrow is Yesterday, a Science Fiction/Fantasy Ship located in Loves Park. The meeting was announced in the Rockford Register-Star under its new name, The Rock River Area Star Trek Space Science Association, which replaced the name STARFLEET of Henderson.

The USS Shiloh held its Third Annual Christmas Party at the new home of the Captain on 17 December 1997. It was announced at the party that newly-appointed Chief Communications Officer, LTjg Janie Wilson-Cook, would endeavor to obtain a domain name for future use for the USS Shiloh Website.

In December, 1997, Captain Higdon was elected Vice Chairman of the Star Trek: International Fandom Council and served in that position for one full year. The IFC was created to give a united voice to fandom in issues concerning Trekdom.
Because of political in fighting and inappropriate actions because of the change in administration in January, 1999, the Officers and Crew of the USS Shiloh voted to leave VACANT the Representative's position on the IFC Security Council until further notice. Later in the year, Captain Higdon resumed the duties of the Representative until the IFC Constitution was changed to eliminate that position. The Shiloh, and later the Black Hawk, no longer participates as a member of the IFC.

On Stardate 9802.28, the USS Shiloh celebrated its Third Anniversary Party at Tomorrow is Yesterday. Members from the USS Bradbury, out of St. Charles, Illinois, also attended.

After the party, the two crews visited Commander Karen Higdon, Executive Officer of the USS Shiloh, recovering from complication to surgery, at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Then both crews went out for dinner at the Illinois Machine Shed near the Tollway on East State Street.

Honorary Members

captshiloh — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:35:56 CDT

Honorary members are those who have demonstrated an importance to the USS Black Hawk and Star Trek. Honorary members are usually not members of STARFLEET (Joost Ueffing joined STARFLEET after his award) and hold no position aboard the Black Hawk. The Honorary Member(s) are picked each year by the Commanding Officer.

1995 USNPS Ranger Brian McCutchen
1996 Bjo Trimble, 1st Fan of Star Trek**
1997 Brad Douglas, New Anchor, WBBJ-TV, Jackson, TN
1998 Kim Kowlski, Owner-Tomorrow is Yesterday
Brian McVey, Co-Founder, Ken Rock Star Trek Space Science Club
1999 Joost Ueffing, Chairman, International Fandom Council (1999)*
2000 Charter Members of the USS Shiloh^*
2001 Paul Chiodini, 1st member from Rockford, IL area^
2002 James & Karen Cushing**, USS Mark Twian
2003 Helen Pawlowski*, Troubadour Station
2004 Janie Wilson-Cook***, EZone, Inc.
2005 Roger 'K'Cire' DeVack (aka Eric Miller)***, Federated Alliance
2006 Charles 'Kijo' Smith**, Cha'ouw Empire
2007 D. Allen Glenn*, USS BortaS
Jay Hurd*, USS Chicago
Michael McGowan*, USS BortaS

* - Currently a member of STARFLEET
** - Former member of STARFLEET
*** - Former member of STARFLEET & USS Black Hawk/Shiloh
^ - Former members of STARFLEET & former & current members of USS Black Hawk that belong to the Charter Membership of the USS Shiloh before 3/26/1996
^* - Former member of STARFLEET & Non-STARFLEET Member of the USS Black Hawk/Shiloh
***^ - Former member of STARFLEET, co-founder, Starfleet Central, Commander, Federated Alliance, member, Cha'ouw Empire & former member of the USS Black Hawk/Shiloh

Special Notes:

Brian McCutchen was the link between Shiloh National Military Park & the USS Shiloh.
Bjo Trimble hold rank of Fleet Captain Within STARFLEET and appointed USS Shiloh member Chris Higdon as a Special Assistant within STARFLEET Academy, which she served as Commandant during the McGinnis Administration.
Charter members include (current rank or rank when leaving USS Black Hawk/Shiloh): Vice Admiral Jeffery Higdon*, Fleet Captain Karen Higdon*, Captain Robert Baker*, Lieutenant, j.g. Matthew Shelton, Lieutenant, j.g. Levi Morgan, Lieutenant, j.g. Rachel Berger, Lieutenant Commander Timothy Raines, Lieutenant Peggy Ridgeway Simpson, Captain Christopher Higdon*, Lieutenant Commander Emily Higdon* (* designates those still members as of January 1, 2000).
Paul Chiodini holds the rank of Lieutenant, j.g. aboard the USS Shiloh. He served as Second Officer for the USS Shiloh for a brief time as well as Chief Medical Officer.
Janie Wilson-Cook holds the rank of Lt. Commander aboard the USS Black Hawk and served the dual rolls of Chief Computer Operations Officer & Second Officer. The USS Black Hawk used her server to host our website from 1998-2006.
Admiral Helen Pawlowski is a member of STARFLEET and encouraged the development of the Black Hawk/Shiloh and it's leadership. Admiral Pawlowski donated a banner with the STARFLEET Logo to the Shiloh during a trip by the Captain & his family in 1996. A picture of the banner can be seen in the Archive. She was awarded the Honorary Membership for her long service to STARFLEET Academy.

History of USS Black Hawk NCC-75004 (2001-Present)

captshiloh — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:28:03 CDT

With a year passing on the original name change a decision need to be made on the class. No work had been done on the rejected Black Hawk Starship Developmental Project in over a year. The Commanding Officer then decided it was time to move on to the next sage of the 2 step project. On January 4th, 2001, Fleet Captain Higdon asked for a showing on whether we should become a Sovereign Class Starship. After a majority of the ship's company responded in the affirmative, the Fleet Captain sent a message to Admiral Alex Rosenzweig, Director, Department of Technical Services, STARFLEET, to request a change in class and the assigning of a new NCC number.

On January 10th, 2001, Fleet Captain Higdon received this communiqué from Admiral Rosenzweig:

By order of Starfleet Command, Department of Technical Services, CA 74683 Black Hawk is directed to return to Spacedock at Starbase 12. At that time, the crew shall transfer to the following starship:

Name: U.S.S. Black Hawk

Vessel Class/Type: Sovereign-Class Heavy Cruiser

Registry: NCC-75005

Upon completion of transfer, you will confirm new assignment orders and proceed to deploy CH 75004 Black Hawk. In the interim, please take the time to familiarize yourself with all design specifications and operating parameters for U.S.S. Black Hawk, in order to assure a smooth deployment when the time comes. All best to you and your crew.

In Service to the Fleet
Admiral Alex Rosenzweig
Director, Department of Technical Services
Director, Office of Technical Information

Fleet Captain Higdon replied with the following:

Orders are confirmed. CA 74683 Black Hawk arrived Starbase 12 11:52 Hours Ship's Time, on Stardate 54001.10. Relieved of Command 11:55 Hours, Ship's Time, by order of Admiral Alex Rosenzweig. CH 74683 Black Hawk is decommissioned thereafter.

Transferred by transporter to CH 75004 Black Hawk with command crew and families. Arrival time 11:58 Ship's Time, Stardate 54001.10.

Transferred command codes to Fleet Captain Jeffery E. Higdon, Security Clearance Higdon-Alpha-One-Seven-Enable, 11:59:00 Ships' Time.

Ship formally commissioned on Stardate 54001.10 as USS Black Hawk, NCC-75004 by Admiral Rosenzweig.

Will depart Starbase 12 for Illinois Sector at earliest.

Honored to serve the Fleet,
Fleet Captain J.E. Higdon
Commanding, USS Black Hawk, NCC-75004

Along with the new starship class the Black Hawk Logo changed to reflect the new NCC Number.

On March, 2001, the Fleet Captain receive an urgent communiqué from Captain John Russell, Commanding the USS Bradbury out of St. Charles, Illinois. The Bradbury, threatened with decommissioning from STARFLEET, declared itself to be an Independent club and withdrew from STARFLEET. The Bradbury crew would still meet as a club but not under the auspices of STARFLEET.

After Fleet Captain Higdon contacted Captain Russell, it was decided to offer membership aboard the USS Black Hawk to those STARFLEET members still aboard the Bradbury. Five STARFLEET members transferred, including Captain Russell and his wife, Captain Princilla Russell, to the Black Hawk to form Away Team Bradbury.

On July 29, 2001, the Captain's Yacht (or personal automobile) left Rockford and arrived at the 2001 STARFLEET International Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Accompanying the Fleet Captain were Captain Karen Higdon, Black Hawk Executive Officer, and their children, Captain Chris Higdon and Ensign Emily Higdon.

During their three day, two night stay, Emily was promoted to Lieutenant, j.g., by Fleet Admiral Les Rickard himself. The Black Hawk contingent met many people which they had corresponded with either through the Internet or snail mail. The Higdons also met several new friends including the family of Captain Erik Johnson, the commanding officer of the USS Windspirit out of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

During the General Session on Saturday morning it was announced that the Website that was hosted by the USS Black Hawk, and overseen by the Fleet Captain, won the 2001 STARFLEET Information Website of the Year Award. The Official STARFLEET History Website - http://www.interplanetary.net/blackhawk/SFIHistory/ (now inactive) won the award although the STARFLEET Historian's Website was announced as the winner. This was partially cleared up when the URL that was judge was revealed not the Historian's site but the History site. STARFLEET Historian Scott Akers, whom the Fleet Captain assisted in a forum on the research of the history, accepted on behalf of the Fleet Captain.

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the world was shocked when Terrorists seized four commercial aircraft enroute to California. Loaded down with aviation fuel, two of these aircraft slammed into the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City, which collapsed, killing over 3,000 souls (including on the aircraft). Another slammed into the side of the Pentagon, the headquarters for the United States Defense Department, across the river from Washington, DC, the seat of Government of the United States. This act claimed almost 200 people. The fourth aircraft, believed to be heading to Camp David, the US Presidential Retreat in Maryland, or to Washington with intended targets being either the US Capitol or the White House, when it crashed in a field in southwestern Pennsylvania. It is believed that some of the passengers challenged the terrorist and caused the aircraft to crash, preventing it from being used as a weapon of mass destruction as the other three planes were used as.

On Saturday, September 15, the Officers and Crew of the USS Black Hawk, with the shadow of this dreaded event looming only days past, held it's first Recruiting Day at Tomorrow Is Yesterday, 5600 N. 2nd Street in Loves Park. The plans for this day was made months in advance and many members of STARFLEET from across Region 12 were scheduled to attend to help the crew of the Black Hawk in this effort. Because of the events in New York City and Washington, consideration was given to canceling the event. The R12 Recruiting Team cancelled their participation because of this as did others who had committed to assist. Despite the lack of help from outside the Rockford area, the Executive Committee of the USS Black Hawk decided to go on with the event, citing US President George W. Bush's call to carry on as best we can. Second Officer Janie Wilson-Cook summed it up by saying that "if we don't hold the event, the b*****ds (meaning the terrorists) would win!" The other members of the Executive Committee agreed with this assessment wholeheartedly!

The Recruiting Day began at 10:00 AM with the Fleet Captain and his daughter, LTjg Emily Higdon, setting up the booth and handling questions as they came. They were later joined by Commander Frank Waxman, complete with a Klingon headpiece, and the newly appointed Security Officer, Nick Milano, who also brought newly recruited members from the city of Niles, a suburb of Chicago. Second Officer Janie Wilson-Cook, along with her son, Engineering Cadet Patrick Cook, joined the proceeding later, bring a TV-VCR and several of Star Trek Movies. All together there were three people who signed up for our e-mailing list.

Because of a stated interest by some potential members who visited the recruiting table, the Fleet Captain re-activated the 263rd Marine Strike Group aboard the Black Hawk. Designating it a 'reserve' unit of the STARFLEET Marine Corps, it's MOS is Special Operations. Brigadier Higdon serves as Officer-in-Charge and Colonel (r) Chris Higdon serves as the DOIC.

Also because of their participation in the recruiting day, all member of the USS Black Hawk who attended and participated were recommended for the Region 12 Commendation Awards. Although the Regional Coordinator at the time announced that the awards were approved, the awards were never received by those crew members.

An emergency communiqué was received by the commanding officer of the USS Andromeda, a Starfleet Command affiliate chapter, out of Madison, Wisconsin. The Andromeda heads the effort to hold a local convention, MadCon, formerly the Madison Sci-Fi Writers convention. A flu epidemic had hit the organizers and those who were to assist and they needed bodies. The Andromeda captain, Commander George Krivkovich, contacted each member individually by e-mail, explaining the extra ordinary situation, on which the Fleet Captain approved and asked not only members of the Black Hawk for help, but also other Sector Illinois members to help. However only the Fleet Captain (as Brigadier Higdon) traveled to Madison on Friday, October 26, 2001, to assist and to inquire on what the Black Hawk can do to assist, seeing that we are only 50 miles away from Madison. Because of this, Brigadier Higdon received serveral awards from the STARFLEET Marine Corps.

Word was received that the USS Black Hawk was among five chapters nominated for 2002 Ship of the Year for Region 12. The other four were the USS A.M. Valsalva, the USS BortaS, the USS Atlas and the USS Thunderbird. The award was announced during the 15th Annual Region 12 Summit held in Oklahoma City, May 16-18. The Black Hawk won the Ship of the Year Award and Gunnery Sergeant Glenn Hicks won Enlisted Person of the Year. The excitement aboard our humble chapter was heightened when a trophies awarded to the 2002 Region 12 Ship of the Year and the 2002 Enlisted Person of the Year arrived at the CO's home in early September. The trophies were photographed and the 2002 Enlisted Person's trophy was then sent off to the newly promoted First Sergeant Hicks.

Because of this honor bestowed by the region members to the chapter, the officers and crew of the USS Black Hawk decided to recommend to the STARFLEET Executive Committee, acting as the STARFLEET Promotion Board, that Commodore Higdon be promoted within the association honorary promotion guidelines. On October 26, 2003, Commodore Higdon was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. With this his SFMC Reserve rank becomes Major General (and he is the "...very model of a modern Major General!"). The promotion was posted in the Dec-Jan 2003-2004 Edition of the STARFLEET Communiqué.

During the month of January, Admiral Higdon was contacted by Fleet Captain John Dubose, formerly commanding officer of the USS Bexar in Texas. After a conversation, Captain Dubose indicated that he had moved to Kansas and was in the process of establish a shuttle in the area. After more discussion Admiral Higdon agreed to allow the Black Hawk act as the sponsor (or mothership) for the shuttle to be located out of Oswego, Kansas. This shuttle, the DragonStrike, would be the first and only shuttle launched by the Black Hawk and would have the registry number of NCC-75004/01 until the chapter's commissioning as a ship-of-the-line. During the 2005 Regional Summit, the Shuttlecraft DragonStrike was formally commissioned as the USS DragonStrike, completing their tour as a chapter-in-training. This was a proud moment for both the newly commissioned crew of the DragonStrike and their mothership.

As plans for the Ninth Anniversary party are underway, the Command Staff of the USS Black Hawk received word from the Region 12 Vice Coordinator, Brigadier Christopher Rossman, that the chapter, under new guidelines established within 2003, was nominated as the 2003 Ship of the Year. However, Admiral Higdon, citing the tradition that the previous year's winner excuse themselves from the award, declined the nomination on behalf of the Officers and Crew of the Black Hawk.

Meanwhile two other members of the Black Hawk were nominated for three Regional Awards. Ensign Patrick Cook was nominated for Cadet of the Year (Captain Christopher Higdon had won the STARFLEET Cadet of the Year in 1996) and Admiral Higdon was nominated for both Officer of the Year and Member of the Year. Although others won the awards, both members were honored to just be nominated.

With the change of the chapter-in-training program from Shuttle Operations to Shakedown Operations, several chapters who were shuttles became ships-of-the-line with the NX suffix instead of NCC, which they would be granted upon the completion of their training. Also their COs would only hold the rank of Commander however would be allowed to be address as 'Captain'.

Vessels named 'Black Hawk'

captshiloh — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:21:49 CDT

The following is a listing of vessels, naval and space, name BLACK HAWK, named after the Saux-Fox War Chief, also known by his native name Makataimeshekiakiak. Not included is the Centauri Vessel Makataimeshekiakiak, which is named after a historical personality of Alpha Centari II. Any vessels before the EY2007 are factual and verifiable. After vessels named BLACK HAWK after EY2007, (or the history therein) are either taken from non-canon sources or are created to allow a timeline for the Black Hawk Fan Fiction project that writer may take information from.

USS Black Hawk, Tinclad Class Monitor

US Navy 1861-1865

Originally named the New Uncle Sam, was a part of the Union's Mississippi River Flotilla during US Civil War (circa 1861-1865), participated in the Vicksburg Campaign. She was the flagship under Admirals David Porter and S.P. Lee. Also participated in various activities until an accidental fire destroyed her on April 22, 1865 near Cairo, Illinois

USS Black Hawk, Passenger Carrier

US Army (1914-1921) 1917-1918

Formerly the Rhaetia, a Passenger cruise liner which flew the flag of Germany, it was seized during World War I in 1916 and renamed the USS Black Hawk. Renamed the Black Arrow in 1917 (prior to the commissioning of AD-9 Black Hawk) and transferred to the authority of US Shipping Board. Chartered by the American Line in 1918 and scrapped in 1927.

USS Black Hawk, AD-9, Destroyer Tender

US Navy, 1918-1946

Served 20 years in the Far East and in two world wars. Initially served as a floating base, serving as the flagship of the Mine Flotilla, then until the advent of World War II, as flagship of the Atlantic Fleet Destroyers-in-reserve. Was converted into a Destroyer Tender, initially as the Flagship of the Destroyer Flotilla of the Atlantic Fleet. Transferred to the Far East to tender destroyers. On Dec. 7, 1941was in Borneo at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. Later serve in Australian and Alaskan waters. Earned one battle star during W.W.II.

USS Black Hawk, MCH-58, Mine Hunter Destroyer

US Navy 1995-2255

A US Navy Reserve Ship attached to the Aircraft Carrier USS John F. Kennedy Battle Group. In early stages it served as a training facility and a reservist ship. In the late-20th to mid-21st Century the it served during the War Against Terrorism, the Iraqi War, Eugenic Wars and later, World War.

USS Black Hawk, NCC-158, Dadleus Class Starship

UESPA Starfleet, UFP Starfleet 2132-2165

Was originally a vessel of the United Earth Starfleet. Initially designated 'SS Black Hawk'; took part in the initial phases of the Earth-Romulan War; Later transferred to UFP in 2261, designated a United Star Ship (USS). Retired from service with distinction. Now resides at the Inome Prime Fleet Museum.

USS Black Hawk, NCC-1058, Baton Rouge (II) Class

UFP Starfleet 2228-2275

The first starship to be built at the new orbital dry-dock A-01 of the San Francisco Fleet Yards, Earth and the last of her class, the Black Hawk was one of the first true exploratory starships equipped with one of the first multiple transporters and tricorders. Uprated in 2266 as an experimental platform to test design constructions to be used on the soon to be uprated Constitution II Class in 2269. Decommissioned ten years later now resides at the Inoma Prime Fleet Museum.

USS Black Hawk, NCC-1832, Miranda Class Starship

UFP Starfleet 2299

Ship destroyed on Stardate 11731.43 in defense of of the Chritation VI colony due to a mistake attributed to a Starfleet Admiral in charge of the area. Was not previously included since records of it's existence was classified due to a cover-up of the incident recently discovered. For this reason this starship was not included on the original list of vessels on the dedication plaque.

USS Black Hawk, NCC-50493, Cheyenne Class Starship

UFP Starfleet 2343-2373

The USS Black Hawk was instrumental in several diplomatic break through via the old style "Gunboat Diplomacy' used by various her COs. In 2357 the Black Hawk took part in rescue operations after the Battle of Resnia V, in which Cardassians had raided and attempted to destroy a colony of Federation citizens. Refitted several times, the last in 2370, the Black Hawk was destroyed near Omega Zeta V in an early engagement at the beginning of the Dominion War

USS Black Hawk, NCC-74683, Intrepid Class Starship

UFP Starfleet 2277-2279 2279-Present (USS Trier, NCC-74982)

Constructed at the Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards, Mars. Assigned as flagship to the Commanding Admiral of Starbase Rockford on the Cha'ouw-UFP boarder as part of the 3rd Federation Alliance Fleet. Saw action within the Cha'ouw Empire as part of support of Federation and Imperial interests. The registry number which had been assigned to the late USS Shiloh was mistakenly assigned to the Black Hawk and was only discovered after it's delivery to it's new crew, a majority who had served on the late Shiloh. It was decided to allow the Black Hawk to keep the registry to honor of that crew and the late Starship Shiloh. On Stardate 55582.97 Starfleet decided to reverse it's decision and the Black Hawk was recalled to earth for a major refit, with a name change to the USS Trier, NCC-74982.

USS Black Hawk, NCC-75004, Sovereign (II) Class Starship

UFP Starfleet 2279-Present

Constructed at the San Francisco Naval Yards, Henderson Space Platform and commissioned in early 2377 as the USS Britannica. Her shakedown cruise was under the command of Captain Gregory Westlake and she would later be commanded by Captain Phillip Philbee. On Stardate 55579.88, Starfleet Command decided that the need for a 'Ship of the Line' in the Illinois Sector, due to the close proximity of the Cha'ouw Empire, Klingon Empire, Romulan Empire, the Tolians, Cardassian Union and Bajor. Historically, major engagements and battles had happened in the area in which STARBASE Rockford was part of which both the Cha'ouw Empire and the Federation wanted to avoid by the placing of the starbase at this lovcation, exactly on the boarder of the Federation and Cha'ouw Empire. The Britannica was transferred to become the flagship of Starbase Rockford. In an unprecedented move by Starfleet Command, the name was changed to Black Hawk after the starbase commander's former command was recalled to Earth. Since the assignment of the Black Hawk she has been refitted four times in t the starbase construction facilities and has distinguished itself on more than one occasion. In 2282 the Black Hawk under went a major refit to add TransWarp Capabilities in order for it to transmit through TransWarp Conduits when needed. This was done by adding the newly developed Warp Sled attachment which was attached to the primary hull over the main shuttle bay behind the bridge. This gave the Primary Hull warp capability in the event of saucer separation.

USS Shiloh NCC-74683 Timeline

captshiloh — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:19:31 CDT

Special Note: This is a brief history of the USS Shiloh, NCC-74683, Intrepid Class Starship, while under command of Fleet Captain Jeffery E. Higdon, (51016.4-54576.3) as recorded per Starfleet Regulations 474 and is made available for public consumption via Memory Alpha links.

Stardate : First weld on mainframe of superstructure matted for new Intrepid Class Starship, the first to be constructed in the new Henderson Spacedock Platform.

Stardate : Outer hull completed as main warp drive is installed. Starfleet designates registration number as NX-74683, to be changed upon commissioning to NCC-74683.

Stardate : Crew assignments outside Starfleet Engineer Corps begin with assignment of Lieutenant, j.g. Robert Baker, former member of ultra-secret Transfire project, to be Chief Engineering Officer.

Stardate : Starfleet Commands issues orders for Commander Jeffery Higdon, at the time in command of the Scientific Research Runabout Shiloh, NCC-1881/4, to take command of NCC-74683 on Stardate 51016.4. Per Commander Higdon's request, Starfleet Command assigns the command crew of Runabout Shiloh to NCC-74683 effective earliest possible.

Stardate : Starfleet Command issues name for NCC-74683 - SHILOH, to take effect upon commissioning.

Stardate : Commander Jeffery Higdon promoted to Captain. Lieutenant Commander Karen Higdon, assigned as First Officer, promoted to Commander.

The information given in this section is fiction, part of the USS Black Hawk Fan Fiction Project and is not considered cannon in the Star Trek Universe.

I, Borg

captshiloh — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:18:16 CDT

By Jeffery Higdon

Based on STAR TREK created by Gene Roddenberry

The Borg Sphere appeared out of nowhere, in a flash.
The drone aboard, the only one, was conscious of what had happened. He checked his internal chronometers and he confirmed by sensors that the trip had been successful. He shut down the slip stream that had thrown him four years into the past.
Because of past encounters before his assimilation he had reverted back to his former self...
The drone was an individual.
The drone had malfunctioned.
The drone had escaped the collective before they could locate him and destroy him.
He had shut off his connection to the collective. He hoped he could survive before they found him.
Now he had a new directive. A new mission.
To save his crew.
To save his ship.
To save the Black Hawk.

Aboard the newly commissioned Starship

USS Black Hawk, NCC-75004, Sovereign Class Starship...

Captain's Log, Stardate 54671.22. The shakedown cruise of the USS Black Hawk has been a success. Our voyage to Starbase 2-1-1-4 from Starbase Rockford had been uneventful. We have departed Starbase 2-1-1-4 for the Delta Quadrant to investigate new Borg activity near Gornden III.

Fleet Captain Jeffery Higdon survey the new Bridge from his new command, the Sovereign Class Starship USS Black Hawk, NCC-75004.

Lt. K'JoQ looked up from his position at Ops. The Cha'ouwian officer was quite content as Captain Higdons' new Ops Officer as he to be was under Captain Trotter but was a little uneasy with his fellow officer manning the Conn.

Commander Christopher Higdon kept to himself most of the time. When he spoke it was usually in broken Federation Standard. K'JoK knew, as all the crew of the Black Hawk did, that the commander was genetically defected and was granted a special variance from the Federation Council to have minor adjustments done to his genetic make-up.

The younger Higdon now was considered the best helmsman in Starfleet. His navigation skills were only matched by the Deltians and the Borians. He could instantly deduct their position, even when blinded. That and the fact he spent four standard month aboard the USS Sovereign and the USS Enterprise studying Sovereign Class Navigational and Battle Tactics helped the other crew member immensely in adapting to their own positions aboard the Black Hawk.

Then he noticed something on his sensors off the port bow.
"Captain," the Conn Officer started, with a slight slur in his voice, "I am reading an energy fluctuation off the port, sir."
Higdon leaned forward. "What do you make of it?"
"I am reading tachyon emissions, sir."
"Mister K'JoK," Higdon said to the Ops Officer, Is this temporal?"
"Possible. I am reading tachyon emissions. Its opening some sort of vortex."
But what emerged from it alarmed Higdon. A Borg Sphere.
"Slip stream!" Higdon said as he rose from his command chair and stepped down to the lower level.. "Red alert, battle stations! All senior staff to the bridge. Shields up. Ready phasers!"
Higdon had been part of the initial briefings on the Borg technology of the Slip Stream. This was how the Borg traveled in TransWarp.
"Sir, the Borg is halting and not approaching us," Lt. Commander Shawn Boothe said from Tactical. They have lowered its shield."
"All stop," Higdon said as the Black Hawk First Officer, Commander Karen "Number One" Higdon, entered the bridge. "Inform Starfleet of our situation, Commander."
"Aye, sir," Boothe said.
"Captain," K'Joche said, "all stations reported ready. Phasers armed. Quantum Torpedoes standing by. The R-N-S is operational."
"Stand by," Higdon said, "Look sharp."
"Captain," Number One said, "I am getting a communications from the Borg Sphere."
"On screen."
Higdon was ready for 'We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender. We shall add your technological distinctions to our own. You shall service the Borg.' But what he heard was incredible.
A Borg drone appeared on the view screen and said, "Higdon to Black Hawk." He had seen that likeness before, five years earlier...
The Borg continued, "This is Admiral Jeffery Higdon, formerly commanding officer of the Federation Starship Black Hawk. I have come from four-point-six years into the future to warn you."
'This is a trick," K'JoK said, stand up as he looked at the drone.
"Stand down, Mister K'Joche," Captain Higdon said. The Cha'ouwian looked at his CO then sat back down. Then he addressed the Borg Drone. "Go on."
"Gornden III has already been overrun by the Borg. It is the first stage in their impending attack on Federation Space. By taking the Black Hawk they will be able to conquer the Federation and the entire galaxy. You must not go there."
"You can prove who you are?" the captain asked.
The drone looked down and started feeding in something into the console in front of him.
"I am sending you the captain's command codes for today on a coded frequency. Only you would know them, as I knew them."
Higdon went back to his command chair and called for the command dais, which emerged on each side of the chair from the floor. He accessed the coded frequency and saw the transmission. Higdon looked up to the viewscreen and nodded.
"Captain," the Borg said, "Permission to come aboard. This sphere is set for self destruct in 50 seconds. This will prevent the Borg of my time from tracking me here to this time."
Higdon considered only for a moment, "Permission granted. Mister Boothe, please meet the Admiral in the transporter with a full security complement and escort him to Sickbay. Mister K'JoK, you are with me. Number One, you have the bridge. Move away from the sphere and hold position. I will be in Sickbay." And with that the captain left the bridge and headed for Sickbay.
Moments later the Drone beamed aboard and the Sphere blew up.
Higdon briefed Doctor Paul Chiodini on what he wanted done by the time the Borg Drone arrived. Although he was jerky, the Drone looked like the fleet captain.
The Drone had brought a carrying bag with Black Hawk markings on it. He had surrendered it to Commander Boothe. It contained transistors that evidentially had log entries in them.
Then Higdon looked directly into the face and one eye and saw...
His own soul.
The connection was there as the two Jeff Higdons, one of this time, human, and one of a time to come, not human anymore, but with the rediscovered humanity that was once inside him, came together. A link was formed and time stood still for the Black Hawk Captain as the memories of the other overtook him...
"On final approach to Gornden III, Captain," Chris Higdon reported from the Conn position.
Fleet Captain Higdon shifted in his command chair as they approached Gornden III. The Black Hawk had already been put on Red Alert and was ready for battle.
"Open hailing frequencies."
"Hailing frequencies opened," Number One reported.
"Gornden Control, the is the Starship Black Hawk, Fleet Captain Jeffery Higdon commanding. Come in Gornden III."
"Starship Black Hawk, this is Gornden Control. Please state the nature of your business? We read your weapons and defensive systems are up."
Higdon shifted again. "Gornden Control, the is Black Hawk. We have a report of Borg activity in the area."
"Starship Black Hawk, this is Gornden Control. Everything is peaceful here, admiral. The Governor sends his greeting and invites you to dinner after your arrival."
"Mister K'JoK?"
"Sensor reading indicates multiple warp signatures and background radiation. All signatures correspond to Federation shipping. I read only on other recent warp signature in the area and it reads as Klingon."
"How about the planet?" Higdon said.
"Normal traffic, captain. We are in visual range."
"On screen."
The planet was peaceful. He could see shipping an platforms high in orbit. It was another day for Gornden III.
"Request permission to enter into a standard orbit."
"Permission granted, Black Hawk," the voice from Gornden Control said, adding, "Welcome to Gornden III."
'Number One, secure from Battle Stations. Contact Starfleet Command and tell them that the report must have been a false alarm..."

But before anything else could be said the viewscreen change.
"Captain!" K'JoK yelled.
The planet of Gornden III changed into a blacken shell. And several Borg vessels surrounded the Black Hawk.
Then the Borg materialized on the bridge of the Black Hawk. Before anybody could do anything the Borg Assimilation tubes entered the neck of each of their victims and they started the process of assimilation. No one had a chance.
"We are the Borg. Surrender or be destroyed. We will add you technological uniqueness to us. You will be assimilated and service only the BORG!"
The entire crew and dependents who lived aboard the Federation Starship Black Hawk were ASSIMILATED.
The Black Hawk was disassembled and assimilated into the Borg Fleet. Her advance technology was added to the collective. That technology was enough to destroy the Federation. The Klingons. The Cha'ouw. The Romulans. The Breen. The Bajorians. The Cardassians and the Dominion. The Founders were destroyed when they would not be assimilated. Most of the galaxy was now Borg.
Four years later the drone known as One-of-One-Thousand, the former Captain Jeff Higdon, encountered several members of his crew as the borg was now going to try to assimilate TIME itself.
This was when the malfunction came. And a new mission - to save his crew. He barely escaped into a Borg Sphere modified into a time ship. No one could track him and he reached his objective...
The nightmare ended.
Both Jeff Higdons, both the human and the Borg, snapped out of their link. Only a moment had passed but it seemed like an eternity. Captain Higdon nodded at the Borgified Higdon and motioned to Dr. Chiodini who asked the 'Admiral' to lie down on the biobed.
And then as Captain Higdon turned from the Borgified Jeff Higdon, who had said not a word, Dr. Chiodini started his examination of the Borg.
He took a tricorder and read. He already knew the whole story but seeing it only made the nightmare more real. He fed the information into the Black Hawk computers and sent it, with the Highest Priority, coded to Starfleet. He also informed them that he was keeping the Black Hawk in its' present position until he was advised by Starfleet.
"Captain!" Doctor Chiodini yelled.
Higdon turned.
The Borg Drone, the one of his future self, faded and disappeared. Like he was not there.
Captain's Log, Stardate 54672.26. The Black Hawk has been ordered back to Federation Space after it was joined by the Sixth Federation Alliance Fleet which repelled to the impending Borg invasion. Because of the Black Hawk's new R-N-S system, the borg was unable to get the upper hand. Those Borg vessels that were not destroyed were captured with all their drones self-destructing. The Black Hawk has minor damage. We will be arriving at Starbase 2-1-1-4 soon on the first leg of our journey back to STARBASE Rockford.
This was a major victory for the Federation. With the captured Borg Cubes and Spheres, Starfleet and our allies can be better prepared for the Borg next time.
I can't help but think of the things which my Borg 'counterpart' shared with me in the link we had. The Black Hawk was almost destroyed. I will be haunted by the sites I saw for a long time. Just as I have been with that alternate reality from Stardate 50116 (See Toccata: A Prelude to Star Trek: First Contact).
It was still unbelievable. All the events and what would of happen but not happening. Although the Borg Drone identifying itself as Fleet Captain Jeffery Higdon disappeared, none of the transistors with the log entries did and it is those items which saved the Black Hawk and the Federation. Admiral DeVack and Starfleet Intelligence was waiting to see the logs on Starbase 2-1-1-4.
Higdon thought long and hard of the events as the Black Hawk approached Starbase 2-1-1-4. 'Roger will be amused...' Higdon thought leaning back in his chair in the Ready Room. But his crew was safe. His ship was intact. The primary mission to find out if there was Borg activity was successfully accomplished. Only he knew the price that, luckily, none of them would be making. However, that was all that mattered at the moment.

1. Commanding Officer

captshiloh — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:05:21 CDT

Vice Admiral Jeffery Higdon

Vice Admiral Higdon has been the CO of the chapter now known as the USS Black Hawk since the inception in 1995. Elected as the first (and up to now, only) commanding officer of the Pre-shuttle Shiloh on February 28, 1995, the man has lead the chapter through it's various incarnation from pre-shuttle, through shuttle then on to Starship-of-the-Line or a full chapter of STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc.

The Black Hawk is not the first foray into Star Trek Fandom the Higdon has taken part in. In the summer of 1975 Higdon, along with some fellow classmates from a local high school, created The Ken Rock Star Trek Space Science Club. This was with the encouragement of the personnel, as well as the Director Don Schmid, at the Ken Rock Community Center in Rockford, Illinois, the town where he lived at the time. This was about 9 months after the original USS Enterprise Fan Club in Lufkin, Texas was formed. Higdon was elected it's president (as it was not formed in a 'Starship Command' hierarchy). In the fall of 1975 Higdon was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from Ken Rock during their annual awards banquet, for his work with the KRSTSC.

Higdon's fascination in Star Trek started when he watched the original series on the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service television station while his family lived in Germany. Higdon's father, an USAF NCO was stationed at Bitburg Air Force Base from 1966-1969, the same years that the original series aired. However the series was not shown until a year after the airing of the episodes in the United States. He did not get to see the third season until many years later during their first run in syndication. At one time he owned over 300 novels, adaptations, manuals and textbook concerning Star Trek.

Higdon, the oldest of six, is proud to be called an Air Force Brat, which is a dependent of a member of the US Air Force. Besides living in Germany, he lived in Idaho, Texas, Massachusetts and North Carolina before his father's retirement in his birthplace in Illinois. He graduated from high school in 1977 but it was fifteen years (1992) before he received his degrees from Freed-Hardeman University, located in Henderson, Tennessee, a private four year institution that had expanded into graduate degrees just after his first year there. Higdon has two degrees from Freed-Hardeman - a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communications and a Bachelor of Science in Bible. He also has graduate credit through the Graduate School at FHU.

Higdon's association with STARFLEET and the greater Trekdom came when he picked up an application form that wa behind at a Jackson, Tennesse, theater that had shown Star Trek Generations in the fall of 1995. Encouraged by his wife, Karen, Higdon sent in the application, rationalizing that he could use his vast knowledge of 'Star Trek information' at their STARFLEET Academy. After receiving the family's membership in December, he contact Fleet Captain Deb Leafy to attach his family to the USS Alacrity, NCC-1881. During that conversation, Captain (later Commodore) Leafy encouraged him to start a chapter in Henderson. However he first checked with the CO of the just established Shuttle Providence out of Jackson, which would become the USS Providence, who approved of a sister chapter in the nearby community. On February 28, 1996, the USS Shiloh/Black Hawk was founded.

During his time as the CO of the Shiloh/Black Hawk he has served the association and other organizations in several positions.

A Special Request - How You Can Join This Very Special Club???

captshiloh — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:04:10 CDT

The USS Black Hawk, NCC-75004 is looking for members, especially members of STARFLEET. This is primarily a STARFLEET chapter and as such some of the positions are reserved for STARFLEET Officers. All members of the Command Staff, the Division Chiefs, as well as the Second Officer and the Chief Purser, must be STARFLEET officers, although they may be Correspondent members. The Commanding Officer and the Executive (First) Officer must also be STARFLEET members but also must be living in the city of charter (Rockford, Illinois).

With your STARFLEET membership get you get honorary rank and positions aboard the chapter of your choice (the Black Hawk), which is recognized by thousands around the world, as well as a certificate of membership (appropriate for framing), a membership card (to show off your membership that you are a STARFLEET Officer), six issues a year of the official STARFLEET Newsletter, The Communique, as well as other goodies. You will also receive a copy of the STARFLEET Handbook, which has its constitution and by-laws as well as the most recently printed issue of the Vessel Registry, listing all the chapters of STARFLEET (at the time of publication). Future membership packet will contain a CD with all the membership material, except membership certificate and card. You also will have access to on-line members only access on the STARFLEET Database!

For more STARFLEET please CLICK HERE. to visit their website.

To join STARFLEET via their ON-LINE FORM where you can pay by credit or debit card or through Pay-Pal, or download a PDF MAIL FORM, click on the approval capitalization. Please designate the USS Black Hawk, NCC-75004, on the form or contact the Admiral HERE .

Renewing STARFLEET Member may click HERE for the On-line Form, using Credit or Debit Card or Pay-Pal, and HERE to download the PDF renewal form.

To go to Pay-Pal click HERE.

If you are already a member of STARFLEET also contact the Admiral to add your name to our roster HERE. If you wish to fill a position on the Command Staff please go to Chapter Roster to see what positions are available. If you just want to join or be a part of the chapter in a position other than on the Command Staff please contact the Admiral.