Task Force Avalon

**Task Force Avalon** (TFA) is the vanguard of The 26th Fleet, consisting of captains and crews brave enough to explore the unknown and dangerous reaches of Dwarf Galaxy PTX-1138 - The Outback. Their primary mission is the exploration of the Outback and the security of Federation and allied interests in the region, most notably Starbase 381 *"Praetorian"* and the Caspian Wormhole. Although not assigned to the frontlines of the battles which have raged across the Milky Way, the captains of TFA are no stranger to conflict, victory, or loss, and as the mysteries of the Outback deepen, the consequences of the actions here may become greater than what anyone could have ever predicted.

# Standing Orders

As issued by the Commanding Officer of TFA, Rear Admiral T'Molina, on Stardate 97576.9, the Standing Orders are as follows:

* Provide security, safety, and stability to the region (read: The Outback and Starbase 381 *"Praetorian"*) and all Federation interests within it.
* Explore The Outback, seek out new life and civilizations, and contribute all relevant data to this office (read: Task Force Avalon Command) and Starfleet Cartography.
* Report any continued threats to the above to this office and with all due haste.

# Composition

TFA consists of a wide variety of starships to enable it to perform any mission asked of it by Fleet Command, Starfleet Command, or the circumstances presented. Starship commanders often operate alone, or in small task groups to fulfill their mission, though as that mission is often unknown, no particular class of starship is significantly favored. If any were, Science Vessels would be preferred, as the Outback has proven to possess a number of hazardous dark matter anomalies which the more sophisticated sensors and navigational deflectors on science vessels are better able to handle.

   As part of the rank and file 26th Fleet, TFA consists of typical starships and equipment within Starfleet, multipurpose yet proven and dependable. The dangers are simply too great to venture an experimental and unproven prototype into this region of space, and the 26th Fleet itself is rarely the first to receive a new class of ship while conflicts in the Milky Way still persist. For the same reason, and due to the remoteness of the deployment, supply lines cannot easily support experimental or rare materials, and instead must focus as much as possible on standard issue. However, as *Praetorian* has grown, more has started to be provided locally, and a large shipyard and staff now exists to better support the ships of the 26th Fleet.

The Task Force's flagship is officially the USS *Mikasa*, a *Presidio*-class starship that fulfills a command and control role when the fleet's situation necessitates it. Unofficially, many of Task Force Avalon's commanders have elected to carry on day to day activities from other vessels for comfort and to avoid appearing too intimidating. This has typically been the USS *Ramillies*, though Task Force Avalon's current commander, Rear Admiral T'Molina has elected to retain her flag aboard the USS *Destiny*, a name which famously acted in the same capacity for Task Force Avalon during the Iconian War.

# Operations

The starships of TFA operate as the ships of the line for any operational objectives within the Outback. They are the first called in to respond to conflict, emergencies, and first contacts, and performing the majority of the exploration into the unknown areas of the Outback, leaving day to day activities such as logistics and local patrols to the supporting Task Force Britain.

   The primary objective remains the exploration of the outback, but as the operational requirements of that change and evolve with every new discovery, new missions are always being made, and the captains and starships of TFA are expected to carry them out with distinction.

To facilitate that, a major operation has begun to establish a major colony within the Outback. The local space around *Praetorian* and the Caspian Wormhole is being meticulously explored and cataloged for potential sites, not just for the colony, but for outposts and stations to better guarantee its future safety.

# Task Groups and Assignments

Ships of TFA are assigned to Task Groups, where they fulfill a specific purpose within the Task Force.

## Task Group Destiny

Commanded by Avalon Commander, Rear Admiral T'Molina, this task group is focused on short-range patrols, colony defense, and crisis management.

## Task Group Amaterasu

Commanded by Executive Officer and Chief of Logistics Rear Admiral Jyana Kai, this task group is focused on long-range reconnaissance, exploration, and other science operations throughout the Outback.

## Task Group Veritas

Commanded by Second Officer of Avalon, Captain Jay Hayes, this task group is focused on long-range outreach and exploration missions, including humanitarian responsibilities.

## Special Operations Command

Special Operations Command consisting of MACO Group Nine and Republic Advanced Action and Strike Squadron One. Special Operations Command is never deployed against civilians, nor in the roles of civil defense. A fine complement to standard Security departments, they are deployed at the sole discretion of the Fleet Commander and their staff, and always for specific, well-planned and prepared missions.

MACO and RIO operators are drawn from all walks of specialization and training. Security officers, medical staff, engineers, snipers, recon and demolitions specialists, systems engineers, and even starship captains have all been inducted into their ranks.

See also:

* M.A.C.O.
* Special Operations Command Reorganization
* Special Operations Command TO&E