UNSC Saratoga (FFG-305)

The UNSC Saratoga (FFG-305) was a Paris-class heavy frigate in the UNSC Navy, attached to the Epsilon Eridani Fleet during the Human-Covenant War where it operated from the mid-2540s up until the devastating Fall of Reach in summer 2552. The ship was highly renowned following the conclusion of the Human-Covenant War, those who volunteered aboard during the evacuation of Reach were posthumously awarded the Colonial Cross for their sacrifice in a ceremony held on Tribute on September 2, 2553.
== History ==
=== Early History ===
The Saratoga was first commissioned from Naval Yard AS-4 over Reach in December 2546 and stationed above the Inner Colony for the most of its service as part of the Epsilon Eridani Fleet alongside many of its sister ships. During those periods, the ship had undergone a series of command changes due to certain circumstances. Its final captain, Dagrun Rubio was given command on April 14, 2552.
=== Human-Covenant War ===
==== Fall of Reach ====
The UNSC Saratoga saw action on August 12, 2552 during the Battle of Szudork Ridge, accompanied by its sister ship, the UNSC Grafton, and provided aerial fire support for ground forces engaging Covenant forces during most of the battle. All was going well until the uncloaking of the Covenant supercarrier, Long Night of Solace and unleashed its fire onto the UNSC forces, destroying the UNSC Grafton and forcing the rest of the forces to make a tactical withdraw from the area. The Saratoga was forced to dispense a lot of its ammunition to escape the pursuing Covenant artillery and aerial fighters, narrowly escaping with heavy hull damage and its main reactor partially malfunctioned.
The Saratoga was temporarily docked in Esztergom for manual repairs and was estimated to be out of commission for the rest of the battle due to its sustained damage, however, the Fleet of Particular Justice arrived on August 14, and Esztergom was put under siege by several Covenant destroyers. In spite of the damage, Captain Dagrun Rubio and several other volunteers took command of the ship once more to provide support for civilian evacuations. The Saratoga flew over UNSC forces, diverting attention of the aerial Banshee and Seraph bombers away from ground troops, allowing for friendly Army troops and a Spartan team to push on with little annoyance from the skies. Thanks to the vessel's efforts, AA batteries to deploy and allow civilian evac to commence without issue. 
Unfortunately soon after the last transport took off, the UNSC Saratoga couldn't hold any further and finally reached its breaking point. It plummeted into Lovas Lake near the city's outskirts, perishing along with everybody on board.
=== Post-War ===
The actions of the Saratoga's crew were officially recognized following the conclusion of the Human-Covenant War, vouched for by the civilians and soldiers who witnessed its valiant sacrifice. On September 3, 2553, a ceremony was held on Tribute to commemorate the crew and those who were onboard the ship at the time were posthumously granted Colonial Crosses.
Category:WolfBeast5672
Category:Individual UNSC Ships
Category:Individual Ships
Category:Canon Expansions