A purple horizontal ribbon with fine dark stripes and three white liberty bell symbols evenly spaced across the center. The ribbon design symbolizes achievement or recognition within the Independence Fleet.

2020 Hall of Fame Inductees

Today, on our club’s 19th anniversary, it is my great privilege to formally introduce the Independence Fleet Hall of Fame Class of 2020. Induction into our Hall of Fame is the highest honor within this fleet. The requirements and process can be found in the Hall of Fame Charter (pdf).

The newest members of the Independence Fleet Hall of Fame are hereby announced:

Inducted by Election:

Commander Chameleon “Cam” Circuit

of the USS Washington

One of the most unqiue characters in IDF’s history, no one ever forgot Cam Circuit. His interactions with other crewmembers on the USS Washington ranged from deeply meaningful to downright hilarious. He knew how to make the most of every situation and how to bring out the best in people. Circuit won the Rookie of the Month Award and later captured Most Improved and the now defunct Outstanding Simmer Award.

Lt. Cmdr. Laria Jorel

of the USS Sunfire

One of the leaders on the most successful ship of her era, Laria Jorel helped take the USS Sunfire to new heights. Conquering both quality and quantity, the Sunfire became well known beyond IDF with the entire community. To this day, Jorel still ranks fifth all-time with 8.83 total awards, which includes 3.33 Best Posts and 2 MVPs. Jorel was a master of involving others and taking the story in unexpected directions.

Captain Ena Robi

of the USS Constellation

One of the leading Captains of IDF’s renaissance era, Ena Robi’s USS Constellation crew told some of the most interesting and compelling stories of all-time. Forging their own path forward, they seemlessly integrated the Star Trek universe into their own unique lore. She also totaled 5.5 awards, including 2.5 Genesis Awards. Making this even more impressive, Robi took command in only her third month of simming.

Captain Jimmy Rogers

of the USS Liberty

A Captain with unlimited hosting talent, Jimmy Rogers led the USS Liberty to become one of the top sims of the day. His crewmembers regularly won awards and the Liberty captured three posting titles, including a monster 315-post month that still stands in the top 10 all-time. Rogers won the MVP Award in his first month of simming, took command in his second month, and then later captured 2.33 Genesis Awards.

Admiral Landon Wakeland

of the USS Pioneer

A selfless leader on all fronts, Landon Wakeland improved IDF in nearly every way possible. He enhanced our social media footprint, improved relations with other fleets, and most importantly, launched 10 new sims and welcomed another outside sim into the fleet. He was the force that made IDF go during his era. Best of all, Wakeland was able to implement these changes while still keeping everyone happy.

Inducted by the Veterans Committee:

Captain Gorath

of the USS Raptor

Serving as an Executive Officer for two new sims, Gorath eventually got his shot at command with the USS Raptor. He didn’t disappoint as he won the fleet posting title in his first month. He was a natural leader who kept everyone moving forward whether he was an XO or Captain. Unfortunately, the records of his later exploits remain lost to history. Gorath totaled 5.5 awards, including two Recruitment Awards.

Commander James Sullivan

of the USS Dragon

One of the top simmers of his era, James Sullivan helped make a name for the USS Dragon. A natural Executive Officer, he expertly managed his crew while still implementing the Captain’s vision. He kept everyone engaged by using creative plot twists to provide ways for others to participate and write. Sullivan is still tied for 11th all-time with seven total awards, including three Most Posts.


Congratulations to all seven inductees! Well done! You will now forever be remembered for your extraordinary contributions to Independence Fleet. Thank you for continuing to provide an example to follow for all of us still role playing today. There are now 27 members of this most exclusive club.

On an administrative note, we have discovered documents indicating that 2012 inductee Airika Calhoun’s final/highest rank was not Lieutenant, but Commander. As such, the record has been updated to reflect her rank as Commander. Commander Calhoun hails from the USS Excalibur.

I can only begin to imagine the day when many of our current simmers receive this same honor. Until, let’s role play and have fun!

A rectangular medal ribbon with a deep blue background and a silver center panel featuring the gold letters "IDF" embossed in the middle.

Two More Distinguished Service Medals

Tomorrow is obviously a big day. Not only is it our 19-year anniversary, but we’ll also officially enshrine our 2020 Hall of Fame Class. However, before we get to that, I think we need to honor two extraordinary individuals who helped get us where we are today.

Awarded to Fleet Admiral AJ Wheeler for his service as Commander-in-Chief from 2010 to 2020. Fleet Admiral Wheeler led this fleet for more than nine years, a record by far for the position. Wheeler guided the club with passion and saw many ups and downs during his time. He was a steadying force throughout and remains one of the all-time greats.

Awarded to Fleet Admiral James D. West for his service as Commander-in-Chief in 2020. Fleet Admiral West wasted no time in saving the fleet from almost certain demise and energetically led the fleet back to again being one of the leaders of the community. A hero from both our beginnings and today, he is the very embodiment of Independence Fleet.

A futuristic, three-tiered podium with black and red bases, each displaying the Independence Fleet logo in large white letters. The top tier features the fleet's logo, a stylized star with a purple hue, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The podiums sit on a checkerboard floor, giving the scene a modern, sleek look.

Monthly Awards: May 2020

We had a slower month than normal for May. However, we’re not without awards! Congratulations to the winners!

Best Post

Lt. Cmdr. Finchley Kerr
Executive Officer
USS Eminence

For “Something old, something new…”
A perfect intro for a sim set in Star Trek: Picard. It hits all the right notes, setting up the adventure to come.


Funniest Post

Cmdr. Aurther Winters
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Down to the Surface”
A reality show camera crew on a starship?!? Only on the Chuck Norris.


MVP

Cmdr. Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

Howard did it all during May. She pushed the story forward and helped mentor some of the newer crewmembers.


Most Posts

Cmdr. Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

For writing 8 posts.


Most Improved

Ens. John Wyatt
Intelligence Officer
USS Chuck Norris

Wyatt continued his progression as a role player and showed excellent collaboration through 5 posts.


We didn’t have a Genesis, Rookie of the Month, or Recruitment award this month. I hope that changes for June!

A futuristic campus scene featuring people conversing on a balcony overlooking a lush courtyard with trees, pathways, and landscaped gardens. In the distance, domed buildings and a flag bearing the emblem of the United Federation of Planets are visible near the waterfront. The Golden Gate Bridge spans the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Major Awards Have Returned

It’s been almost four months since I assumed command of Independence Fleet back in February. It’s high time that we recognized some of the people who have made our resurgence possible. I hereby issue the following six citations:

The Excellence in Service Medal is hereby renamed the Command Excellence Medal. It is to be awarded for achievement above and beyond the call of duty at the sim Commanding Officer level.

Command Excellence Medal

Awarded to Captain Shane Youngblood for commanding the USS Chuck Norris from 2014 to 2020. Captain Youngblood kept IDF alive when its website went offline by having the Chuck Norris continue simming over email. For that action, IDF will be forever grateful.

Awarded to Colonel Steven MayTa Death for commanding the USS Sanctuary from 2012 to 2020. At the time of his transfer to fellow simming club UCIP, he was first all time in IDF with 89 command months. His tenure included 1,631 total posts and 17 posting titles.

Awarded to Captain Shran dh’Klar for commanding the USS Washington. As previously announced, Captain dh’Klar is now our Commanding Officer elder statesman with the all time lead in command months (90) and posting titles (26). He continues to be guiding light and example for his sim.

The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for achievement above and beyond the call of duty at the Admiralty level.

Distinguished Service Medal

Awarded to Rear Admiral Sadie Stanton for her service as Director of Art. Creating an entirely new graphical design and feel for the IDF website, her creative vision has been invaluable in our second renaissance.

Awarded to Vice Admiral Ken Gillis for his service as Director of Technology. He built the entire new IDF website in record time and continues to manage a first-rate, fast, and error-free IT system.

Awarded to Admiral Charles Star for his service as Chief of Fleet Operations. The glue who puts it all together, he assembled the greatest staff this fleet has ever seen and continues to lead both here and in the community at large.

Just like the Monthly Awards, the Major Awards are now back too. If there’s a theme here, it’s the three Captains who bridged the gap from the old website and leadership to the new and the three Admirals who made what we have now possible. Thanks to all and I hope you continue to serve the fleet for many years to come.

A futuristic, three-tiered podium with black and red bases, each displaying the Independence Fleet logo in large white letters. The top tier features the fleet's logo, a stylized star with a purple hue, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The podiums sit on a checkerboard floor, giving the scene a modern, sleek look.

Monthly Awards: April 2020

Rook Mirtoh, your friendly neighborhood Director of Personnel here… What, I used the line last month? Then let’s just skip straight to the awards:

Best Post

Lt. Cmdr. Jhettao zh’Vrini
Chief Intelligence Officer
Starbase Mikia

For “Personal Log – 2410-05-09”
It’s not often that a personal log wins best post, but this one does it with the right mix of cheer & gloom!


Funniest Post

Cmdr. Aurther Winters
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Make it… more real!”
Very tongue in cheek, a serious officer dealing with an un-serious scenario. Winters is one of the best!


Genesis

Captain Grover vonMcCormick
Commanding Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “From the Sidelines”
Funny, yet clear objectives that should get the crew going on a new mission. Well done!


MVP

Cmdr. Aurther Winters
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

Winters does it again; leads the ship in total posts, helps integrate new crewmembers, mentors others, and keeps the storing going.


Most Posts

Cmdr. Aurther Winters
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 8 posts.


Most Improved

Lt. Cmdr. Estella Stratton
Chief Counselor
USS Washington

The Counselor has delved deep into both character development and mission advancement this month, showing her versatility.


Rookie of the Month

Lt. Cassia Cavendish
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Washington

She jumped in head first with an excellent introductory post and followed it up with several joint posts.


Recruitment

Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

Recruited the Washington’s stellar rookie and continues to work on recruiting for the ship.


Congratulations to all of our winners. Good luck to everyone for May and keep simming! That’s what I said last month too? I’m must be getting too old for this.

A futuristic, three-tiered podium with black and red bases, each displaying the Independence Fleet logo in large white letters. The top tier features the fleet's logo, a stylized star with a purple hue, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The podiums sit on a checkerboard floor, giving the scene a modern, sleek look.

Monthly Awards: March 2020

Rook Mirtoh, your friendly neighborhood Director of Personnel here. It’s been a number of years since I was last in the IDF Admiralty. So many that I’ve lost count! Regardless, I’m back and so is IDF. March was a great month with many great posts and performances. Alas, we don’t have enough awards to honor everyone who is doing excellent things with us today. However, we can honor these outstanding members of the fleet.

Best Post

Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson (XO)
& Lt. Cmdr. N’Sachzny P’Glosho (CSTO)
USS Washington

For “Meeting old friends?”
Beautifully written, an in depth look at the characters, history, and politics. Well done!


Funniest Post

Lt. Cmdr. V’Setħ Borġ
Chief Science Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Reporting at Starfleet for duty”
An officer with a last name Borg would invite all kinds of raised eyebrows!


Genesis

Capt. Dyllon McMahon
Commanding Officer
USS Ganymede

For “It’s Quiet Uptown”
A compelling scene of heroism and action to get the creative juices flowing for a new mission. Makes me want to write!


MVP

Cmdr. Aurther Winters
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For jumping right in on the new website in his old role as XO and posting a fleet-high of 6 posts, all helping set the tone for what’s coming. Already stepping up as a leader and getting new crew integrated.


Most Posts

Cmdr. Aurther Winters
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 6 posts.


Most Improved

Lt. Cmdr. N’Sachzny P’Glosho
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Washington

For excellent writing, inclusiveness, and her spirit of adventure.


Rookie of the Month

Lt. Mackenzie Graham
Chief Medical Officer
USS Ganymede

For the most activity and passion of the new crew. She has written several posts and spearheaded multiple joint posts.


Recruitment

Marine Capt Be’Lana Sok’Mat
Executive Officer
USS Sanctuary

For recruiting one new crewmember to the USS Sanctuary.


Congratulations to all of our winners. Good luck to everyone for April and keep simming!

A futuristic, three-tiered podium with black and red bases, each displaying the Independence Fleet logo in large white letters. The top tier features the fleet's logo, a stylized star with a purple hue, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The podiums sit on a checkerboard floor, giving the scene a modern, sleek look.

The Hall of Fame is Back!

The IDF Hall of Fame is active once again. After an 8-0 vote of eligible voters, I hereby officially approve the latest amendment to the Hall of Fame charter, which re-activates the institution after it was suspended indefinitely in 2014. Look for us to take nominations later this spring for the 2020 class that will be inducted on our 19-year anniversary of July 4th.

Below you’ll find a list of all 20 current Hall of Fame members and the newly amended charter. It’s a great day to be in Independence Fleet!

Hall of Fame Inductees

Class of 2013

  • Captain Jasson Asuka
  • Lt. Cmdr. Seth Rain
  • Lt. Cmdr. Mira Rodale
  • Captain Alayne Tolbin
  • Commodore Zachari Vrona

Class of 2012

  • Lieutenant Airika Calhoun
  • Captain Ace Decade
  • Commander Paula Fredericks
  • Fleet Admiral Jeremiah Griffith
  • Admiral Richter Hiron

Class of 2011

  • Captain Julie Absecon
  • Commander Samira Barajas
  • Commander Entera Danae
  • Commander Ingoldo
  • Lt. Cmdr. Reggie “Big” Johnson
  • Rear-Admiral Henry “Hank” Logan
  • Captain Steve McCloud
  • Lt. Cmdr. Dick Phelps
  • Commander Kiara Rodale
  • Commander Tavik

Independence Fleet Hall of Fame Charter

I. Purpose

A. The Independence Fleet Hall of Fame shall recognize individuals for exemplary service or extraordinary contributions to the fleet.

II. Eligibility

A. Characters, not players, are to be inducted. Multiple characters from a single player are eligible.

B. Characters must be inactive for at least one year prior to induction.

C. Characters shall be inducted no more than once.

III. Process

A. Nominations shall be taken every May. Nominations may be made by anyone, regardless of rank or fleet affiliation. Self-nominations are permitted.

B. Voting shall take place every June, with each nominee receiving a separate vote. All Commanding Officers and active members of the Admiralty may cast one ballot (yea or nay) for each nominee. A player with multiple characters may cast no more than two ballots per nominee.

C. Characters receiving yeas for more than one-half of their ballots and finishing in the top five of the year’s nominees shall be inducted. Characters receiving more than one-half of the ballots cast, but not finishing in the top five of the year’s nominees shall be automatically re-nominated the following year. In the event of more than five nominees receiving the required votes for induction, tie-breakers for the final spots shall be determined by the Command-in-Chief to prevent more than five inductions in any cycle.

D. Characters inactive for more than ten years, regardless of nomination status, may be inducted by consensus decision from the Veterans Committee. All active members of the Admiralty shall serve on the Veterans Committee. Veterans Committee selections shall be capped at three inductions per cycle and shall not count toward the maximum of five from the standard selection process.

E. Inductions shall take place every July 4th. All inductions are final and shall not be overturned.

IV. Amendment

A. Changes to this charter must be approved by at least two-thirds of eligible voters and Independence Fleet’s Commander-in-Chief.

B. Amendments shall not be proposed in May, June, or July.