The Evolution of USS Enterprise: From NCC-1701 to NCC-1701-A

In the expansive Star Trek universe, the designation of starships follows a specific numerical order. However, the naming conventions can sometimes lead to confusion. The USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A, as seen in the end of Star Trek: Beyond, is not merely a rebuilt version of the original ship but is designated as the starship in the continuity of Star Trek: The Search for Spock. This article aims to clarify the naming and construction processes of these starships within the parameters of established Star Trek canon.

USS Enterprise NCC-1701: The Original

The USS Enterprise NCC-1701 was the flagship of the original series, a bold and iconic vessel of exploration. This starship represented the best of humanity's aspirations, embarked on daring missions to explore strange new worlds and boldly go where no man has gone before. The NCC-1701 was the first starship of its class and had a storied history filled with legendary crew members such as Captain James T. Kirk, Spock, and Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy.

USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A: The New Honor

Following the destruction of the original USS Enterprise NCC-1701 during the battle with Krall, Starfleet decided to honor the memory and legacy of the ship by building a new vessel, named the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A. This decision was part of a longstanding tradition in Starfleet: whenever a prestigious starship was lost, whether through destruction or being lost, a new vessel was built to continue the name and registry, but with a subsequent letter appended to signify the new ship.

The NCC-1701-A was constructed at Starbase Yorktown, the closest Federation starbase to the site of the original Enterprise's destruction. This was a departure from the Prime Timeline, where the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 had been built on Earth. In the Kelvin Timeline, the fact that the original USS Enterprise NCC-1701 was destroyed in deep space meant that rebuilding it on Earth or in a controlled environment was impractical.

Understanding the Naming Scheme

The naming scheme for Starfleet vessels is crucial to understanding the Star Trek universe. In the Prime Timeline, the original USS Enterprise NCC-1701 became the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A after it was destroyed. This follows a pattern where subsequent ships with the same name get a subsequent letter in their registry, like the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-C, USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, and so on. The USS Enterprise NCC-1701-F in Star Trek Online and the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-J in the distant future's Universe-class are also part of this tradition.

It is important to note that the naming scheme does not skip over letters; for instance, the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A was never designated, so the next vessel with the same name would be the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-B. The name and registry of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A were adopted in the Kelvin Timeline to maintain continuity and show respect for the original vessel's memory.

Construction and Salvage

Technically, the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A was not built using any wreckage from the original USS Enterprise NCC-1701. A notable exception is found in the novel Star Trek: The Next Generation, where Captain Morgan Bateson oversaw the construction of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-E and incorporated some parts of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D’s saucer section salvaged off of Veridian III. This illustrates that while the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A was not rebuilt using the original ship's parts, following such a practice can be an option in certain circumstances.

Ultimately, the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A was constructed as a brand-new ship, continuing the legacy and honor of the original USS Enterprise NCC-1701. This new vessel, though not a direct rebuild, represents the continued dedication of Starfleet to building starships named Enterprise, each a symbol of exploration and the noble aspirations of humanity.