USS Washington Archives - Page 2 of 6

Monthly Awards: June 2023

Posted on July 15, 2023 | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment

What a great anniversary celebration! Now it’s time to celebrate our latest monthly awardees.

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

For “Kobayashi Maru Part One”

Ah yes, the tried and true Kobayashi Maru. What a fun read!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Aven LaCroix & Lt. Cmdr. Aria Winters & Lt. Ikuyo Kita & Lt. JG Hank Solomon & Lt. JG Adrianna Baciami & Lt. JG Karri & Ens. Ethan O’Donnaghue & Ens. Bek’a ir Az
CO / CSO / COO / CEO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO / DCS
USS Eclipse

For “Sharpening the Blade”

I love the good old fashioned episodic format. Well done!

Funniest Post

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For “Snatch and Grab an Intervention”

“Meat bag” reminds me of the HK assassin droid from Knights of the Old Republic. Love it!

Genesis

None this month.

MVP

Commander Donald “Don” Key
Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

Cmdr. Key continued his excellent performance from last month with outstanding contributions to the story and creating opening for other players to get involved this month. His mentorship of newer players has also been invaluable.

Most Posts

Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Executive Officer / Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For writing 5 posts.

Most Improved

Commander Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

Commander Howard wrote some really impressive posts this month, including her character dealing with the death of an NPC.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Here’s to year 23, IDF!

At the movies… with Independence Fleet!

Posted on July 4, 2023 | by Charles Star | 7 Comments

And yet another year of IDF is in the books with our 22nd Anniversary today. To remind you of how old we really are, here’s a quote from last year’s anniversary post:

“On our 22nd Anniversary, we will be further removed from the premiere of the 2009 Star Trek film (May 8, 2009) than IDF’s launch was from the premiere of The Next Generation (September 28, 1987): 14 years, 1 month, 26 days vs. 13 years, 9 months, 6 days.”

Well, here we are! For this year’s celebration, each of our 12 sims created a movie poster to capture their unique essence and feel. We are also very fortunate to have Amanda Rose from RPG Writing, NX-1701-G from Zodiac Fleet, and Beth from Sim Central to judge the entries in three categories: overall image quality, how much does it look like an actual movie poster, and general creativity/originality. Before we get to the posters themselves, we first have an announcement from a special guest:

Now, the 12 movie posters:

And your winners are…
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Congratulations to all three winners, and a special thanks to our judges! However, to quote Kirk from Star Trek III, we’re not finished yet! Here are superlative awards for our other nine games:

While we’re on the topic of movies, we are now further removed from our July 4, 2001 founding than it was from the premiere of the first Star Trek film Star Trek: The Motion Picture (December 6, 1979): 22 years vs. 21 years, 6 months, 28 days. Feel old yet?

Continuing last year’s tradition, we again have a second video message:

Happy IDF anniversary, everyone!

Monthly Awards: May 2023

Posted on June 23, 2023 | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment

Late June brings May awards:

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For “The Mrs.”

Whoah! Nice post with rich description and a chilling enemy. Very well done!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO
USS Wayfarer

For “Klingon Accusations”

Great action, and an interesting plot twist. Nice work!

Funniest Post

Commander Donald “Don” Key
Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

For “He’s Dead Jim”

An important plot advancement and funny shenanigans to boot.

Genesis

Captain Dick Sprague
Commanding Officer
USS Albion

For “Albion, on Ice!”

Hilaroius! But more importantly, interesting and with lots of openings for people to explore. Well done!

MVP

Lieutenant Commander Shoniara T’ghann-Travis
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

She put forth outstanding material throughout the month and created excellent openings for other crewmembers to get involved. Great work!

Most Posts

Commander Donald “Don” Key
Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

For writing 17 posts.

Most Improved

Ensign J.B. Dersch
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

In only his second month, he tied for the second most posts on the sim and worked diligently to further integrate himself both in game and behind the scenes.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Thanks again for another great month in IDF!

Spot Special Commendation Medal 2023

Posted on June 21, 2023 | by Charles Star | 3 Comments

It’s been more than a year since the last major awards were presented. Here is our fourth Special Commendation Medal, which is awarded for achievement above and beyond the call of duty at the crewmember level.

Special Commendation Medal

Awarded to Lieutenant Commander Shoniara T’ghann-Travis (previously known as Shoniara T’ghann Dex before her marriage in-story) of the USS Washington for sustained superior role playing. Using her encyclopedic knowledge of Trek, she effortlessly writes detailed posts and collaborates with others to tell truly immersive stories within the canon. In the nearly two years since her first post on August 19, 2021, she has tallied 9.33 total awards, good for 13th place all-time, which includes one MVP and five Most Posts.

Monthly Awards: April 2023

Posted on May 15, 2023 | by Rook Mirtoh | 1 Comment

On the Ides of May, here are your April awards:

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Commander Mark Johnson
Chief Medical Officer
USS Wayfarer

For “Day 7: Deena, a pleasant surprise.”

Nice post, not rushed, with very good detail and description. Well done!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Lieutenant Ayana Hillis & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Commander Samantha Howard
ACSTO / XO / CMO
USS Washington

For “A Pleasant Visit”

A very interesting predicament of a First Contact with a human civilization–and outstanding job among several excellent nominations this month.

Funniest Post

Ensign Alyssa Strong
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

For “Shower, Hot Chocolate, SURPRISE!”

Awesome.

Genesis

Captain Rhenora Kaylen
Commanding Officer
USS Sunfire

For “GENESIS”

Great way to start a mission–with the Obsidian Order bashing your door in. Good luck!

MVP

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

Commander Grayson had a great month leading a new mission, working closely with a new player, and keeping the story moving with inputs from everyone. Great job!

Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

For writing 10 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Callisi Veera
Chief Operations Officer
USS Churchill

Really stepped up to fill in while the Captain was unwell to keep the sim moving after having zero posts the month prior.

Rookie of the Month

Ensign J.B. Dersch
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

The new Ensign was active right out of the gate with great contributions.

Recruitment

None this month.

As always, great posting!

Monthly Awards: March 2023

Posted on April 28, 2023 | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment

With the year nearly 1/3 over, the year’s total awards are hereby 1/4 presented:

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

For “Coming to grips with true love”

A follow-up to last month’s best post: Sweet nothings.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Shran dh’Klar & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Lt. Cmdr. Shoniara T’ghann-Travis & Lt. Cmdr. Callie Raven-Grayson & Ens. T’Plana-hath & Ens. James Phoenix & Lt. Seth Travis
CO / XO / CMO / ACMO / CC / IO / TO / CDO
USS Washington

For “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Lots going on in this post! Way to keep it all together!

Funniest Post

Marine Captain Emily Janeway
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Albion

For “Debriefing on the issue of cargo transport failed”

Good one.

Genesis

Captain Shran dh’Klar
Commanding Officer
USS Washington

For “Signal Mystery”

Great way to get things going.

MVP

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

Excellent writing and teamwork! She stayed engaged and found ways to help the plot even though her character wasn’t with the rest of the crew on Risa. True talent!

Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

For writing 10 posts.

Most Improved

Ensign Kitiuas Thenis
Science Officer
USS Sunfire

One of the newer members of the Sunfire, Thenis steps up with month some quality posts and helping others get involved.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

I also want to comment on the retro version of the IDF website earlier this month. While our website no longer looks like this, it’s amazing to think that these awards that we started in month one of July 2001 are still going strong today thanks to all the great writing from YOU!

Monthly Awards: February 2023

Posted on March 31, 2023 | by Rook Mirtoh | 1 Comment

With zero days to spare in March, here are your February award winners, finally!

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

For “Impromptu First Date”

What a lovely post! Well written, simple, easy to read and a topic as beautiful as two people falling in love. Well done. And fitting for February.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Celes & Lt. Ayana Hillis & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Lt. Cmdr. Callie Raven-Grayson & Ens. T’Plana-hath
OO / ACSTO / XO / CMO / CC / IO
USS Washington

For “The return”

Lots going on in this post, and the composition makes it easy to read. Nice work!

Funniest Post

Ensign Kitiuas Thenis & Lieutenant Thomas Hadleman
SO / CDO
USS Sunfire

For “Repair Crew – Day 3 – Kit and Tom”

Great banter, I like it!

Genesis

None this month.

MVP

Lieutenant Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

The Lieutenant’s storytelling is excellent, she is very active & engaging, and fun to write with. Her crew looks forward to her post tags every day.

Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson & Commander Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen
Executive Officer / Executive Officer
USS Washington / USS Sunfire

For writing 3 posts.

Most Improved

Cmdr. Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

Despite real life getting in the way, her writing, insight, and leadership were invaluable to keeping the sim moving.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Look on the bright side: We’re already really close to next month’s awards!

Monthly Awards: January 2023

Posted on February 13, 2023 | by Rook Mirtoh | 3 Comments

We’ve hit the new year running with some great posting:

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign Alyssa Strong
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

For “The Strong Jerk Manoeuvre”

Great post that pushes the plot forward that also could have won a Funniest Post.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO
USS Wayfarer

For “He’s Dead Jim…”

Ah, a classic whodunnit. Love the interplay of the characters and the descriptions around a crome scene. Well done!

Funniest Post

Lieutenant Ayana Hillis & Commander Samantha Howard
ACSTO / CMO
USS Washington

For “Moral Dilemma”

Starfleet officers browsing goods at Spencer’s Gifts. Brilliant.

Genesis

Captain Dick Sprague
Commanding Officer
USS Albion

For “The Assessment”

I’ll be curious to see where this ‘mission’ goes. How has Sprague’s career lasted so long!?

MVP

Lieutenant JG Adrianna Baciami
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Eclipse

Contributed some great posts that helped this sim get launched right. Sky’s the limit for the Eclipse.

Most Posts

Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For writing 9 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Commander Mark Johnson
Chief Medical Officer
USS Wayfarer

The Wayfarer’s CMO also wrote some excellent posts this month, which led to his promotion to Lieutenant Commander.

Rookie of the Month

Ensign Syrik
Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

Syrik has bounced onto the Sunfire with a bang by seamlessly integrating into the crew and storyline.

Recruitment

None this month.

And don’t forget that it’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow!

Monthly Awards: December 2022

Posted on January 10, 2023 | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment

Welcome to 2023, folks! However, it’s time to honor the best of the end of 2022…

Best Post (Single Author)

Commander Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

For “Introspection”

Wonderfully written reflection post.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Lt. Thriss Kla’ren & Ens. Kitiuas Thenis & Lt. Thomas Hadleman & SCPO Ronson Mitchell
CSS / CEO / SO / CDO / Y
USS Sunfire

For “Jump Start”

One word: Raptors.

Funniest Post

Crewman Patin & Commander Dean House
Guest / Second Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Uber ride”

Two words: Great banter.

Genesis

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Sidney Harper & Lt. Ileah & Lt. Avery Coyle & Lt. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Rosaleen O’Donnell & Lt. Mark Johnson & Lt. JG Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
CO / XO / MA / Y / CFCO / CSTO / COO / CMO / FCO
USS Wayfarer

For “Something’s Afoot (Part 1)”

Three words: Now that’s how you start a mission! Wait, I suppose that’s more than three words.

MVP

Ensign T’Plana-hath
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

After winning Most Improved last month, the Washington’s Intelligence Officer takes home the MVP this time. Although newer to simming, she has expertly integrated herself into the veteran crew, frequently pushing through and collaborating with others on excellent posts.

Most Posts

Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen
Computer Systems Specialist / Executive Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 9 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Raelyn Mckenzie
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Wayfarer

Lt. Mckenzie really stepped up her game in December, pushing forward some great ideas while showing both her writing ability and how to work well with the rest of the crew.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

I hope everyone’s year is off to a great start. Keep up the great posting.

Monthly Awards: November 2022

Posted on December 27, 2022 | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment

As 2022 winds down, it’s time to honor the best of last month:

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For “Night One.”

Who’d have ever thought one could feel lonely on a Starship?

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Rhenora Kaylen & Lt. Sarah Wilson & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Cmdr. Dean House & Lt. JG Blake Leone & Lt. JG Aurora Vali & Lt. Alison Haldeman & CPO Remal Kajun
CO / MO / XO / 2O / C / CC / ACOO / CA
USS Sunfire

For “Camp pt 1”

Star Trek and Dinosaurs! I love it.

Funniest Post

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Ileah & Lt. Avery Coyle & Lt. Rosaleen O’Donnell & Lt. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Mark Johnson & Lt. JG Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
CO / XO / Y / CFCO / COO / CSTO / CMO / FCO
USS Wayfarer

For “Day One – Beach Games! (Part 2)”

Starfleet officer knocked out cold by a volleyball. That’s funny.

Genesis

Captain Akeno Misaki
Commanding Officer
USS Wayfarer

For “Dinner Date”

Not the prototypical Genesis post, but it does a great job setting things up.

MVP

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

The Washington’s XO put forth another strong month both in and out of character, which is typical for him. However, this time he purposefully added surprises that continually popped up during the mission, adding another layer to the sim.

Most Posts

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For writing 16 posts.

Most Improved

Ensign T’Plana-hath
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

The Ensign finished second on the sim with posting, but also advanced the plot quite nicely a couple times while also further developing the character.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

Lieutenant Avery Coyle
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

For recruiting this newest member of the sim, Lieutenant Sidney Harper.

Thanks for another great year in IDF. Expect to see 2022’s final monthly awards post in early January.

Happy holidays and a happy new year to all!

1st Place: USS Wayfarer CO: Captain Akeno Misaki Poster by: Akeno Misaki	2nd Place: USS Sunfire CO: Captain Rhenora Kaylen Poster by: Bonnie Durnell	3rd Place: USS Eclipse CO: Captain Aven LaCroix Poster by: Aven LaCroix
“I’m impressed by the technical skill and originality that went into this poster.” “If you’re familiar with Anime movie posters, this is spot on.” “Having anime Trek characters in the mirror universe with the crack showing the Federation and Terran emblems on different sides was brilliant.”	“Of all the posters shared this was the one that actually made me want to join the game in question.” “Image expertly merged the dinosaur imagery with clear Trek imagery without making them appear distinct.” “This poster screamed movie poster. I would expect to see this on the wall in some theater. A starship with dinosaurs and big lettering. Well done!”	“I’m not typically a fan of the starship and character posters, but this one spoke to me.” “I kept wanting to rate this poster higher in my rankings. There’s a lot to like with the faded facial imagery and ship… …[including] ‘Coming Never,’ which was mildly amusing.”

Best poster for Seinfeld/Trek crossover USS Albion CO: Captain Dick Sprague Poster by: Akeno Misaki	Some bold judges not to pick this one! USS Chuck Norris CO: Captain Aurther Winters Poster by: Bonnie Durnell	Best poster for past meeting the future USS Churchill CO: Captain James Stewart Poster by: Akeno Misaki
Best poster if you actually watch Picard USS Eminence CO: Captain Alex Shepard Poster by: Akeno Misaki	Best poster for a random trailing light USS Ganymede CO: Captain Dyllon McMahon Poster by: Akeno Misaki	Best poster for a low Earth orbit view USS Liberty CO: Captain Kaylia Strenvale Poster by: Akeno Misaki
Best poster for the IMAX experience USS Montana CO: Captain Jackson Adams Poster by: Bonnie Durnell	Best poster for “Aft torpedoes, fire!!!” USS Washington CO: Captain Shran dh’Klar Poster by: Akeno Misaki	Best poster that could double for Dune Starbase 80 CO: Captain Kathleen O’Shea Poster by: Bonnie Durnell