USS WHITE SANDS | NCC-75027
A Chapter of STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc.
I. Welcome aboard!
Membership is open to everyone, whether they are a member of STARFLEET or not. However, if a person participates on a regular basis, we do request they consider becoming a STARFLEET member. Thankfully, STARFLEET dues are very minimal, and joining gives that person voting rights on the USS White Sands. You can choose to be a Cadet (those under the age of 18), Federation Citizen (adult member without rank), Enlisted member, STARFLEET Officer, or STARFLEET Marine.
The USS White Sands does not currently have local membership dues. Any interested person only needs to announce their intention to come aboard to the Commanding Officer (CO) and/or Executive Officer (XO). The CO or XO will then collaborate with that person to select a ship’s department that best aligns with their preferred functions. Please review the Chapter finances section for additional information about events and payments.
Welcome aboard!
Minors and others requiring supervision
All persons are welcome at USS White Sands events, but proper parental or guardian supervision is needed for all children under 18 years old and any persons legally requiring additional supervision. No member of this crew is expected or needed to provide transportation or supervision of an unescorted or unsupervised minor or other protected person. This rule is in place for legal reasons–this organization cannot and will not be legally responsible for the acts of minors and other protected persons, and nothing in this organization’s bylaws require any member of the organization to assume liability for any potential injury or illness that may occur if a child or protected person is left unsupervised.
If this rule is not followed at a particular function, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of those requiring supervision may be asked to take their charges and leave the event. Continued abuse of this rule may result in a request to cease participation with this Chapter.
II. 898th Marine Strike Group (MSG)
The USS White Sands is now home to the 898th Marine Strike Group (Combined Arms — Medical and Aerospace). The primary Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) for the 898th are Medical and Aerospace, but Marines from all branches and MOSs are welcome to serve in the unit.
The 898th was originally organized and attached to the vessel previously in existence in Albuquerque. That chapter and the 898th were dissolved in 2014; however, many original members of the 898th are a part of this ship and decided to reform the MSG. The MSG was reactivated on board the USS White Sands on Stardate 202202.22 (Feb 22, 2022) by first OIC BDR Mike Dethlefs.
General information and qualifications
| 898th MSG Nickname | The Flying Medicine Men |
| 898th MSG Motto | “A spoonful of sugar helps the phaser blast go down.” |
| 898th MSG Slogan | “This will only hurt a little.” |
| 898th Mission Statement | To protect the United Federation of Planets against all enemies, foreign and domestic, in accordance with the orders given to the Strike Group by the Commanding Officer, Forces Command, STARFLEET Marine Corps. These orders may include but are not limited to: serving as an onboard security force for the USS White Sands; setting up and defending field hospitals; deploying its fighters in support of other units and their assigned operations or conducting assault landings, depending upon the situation |
Qualifications
The 898th Marine Strike Group possesses a well-defined structure outlining qualifications and training requirements for all its members. To become a member of the MSG, one must be a member in good standing of STARFLEET International and have completed STARFLEET Marine Corps Academy’s Basic Training (SFMCA Course PD-100). Marines can choose to serve primarily with the MSG (Active-Duty Marine) or contribute part-time as a STARFLEET Marine Reservist.
There are additional training requirements for leadership positions within the MSG. If a Marine is assigned to a leadership role and has not yet completed all the necessary courses, they will be given 60 days to get up to speed before assuming those responsibilities.
MSG Command Staff
The 898th MSG is organized into two sections, Medical and Aerospace, with more detachments as needed to meet the desires of the Marines aboard. The MSG Command Staff has an additional command and reporting structure in conjunction with the general operations of the USS White Sands. It is composed of the following individuals: OIC, DOIC, the two Section Chiefs, a Detachment Liaison, and the NCOIC.
Officer-in-Charge (OIC)
The OIC manages all Marine activities and is assigned to the USS White Sands as the Tactical Officer. This dual role requires the OIC to balance the needs of the MSG with the needs of the USS White Sands. The OIC makes all decisions regarding the MSG, in consultation with the CO and XO of the White Sands. The OIC oversees filing unit reports every other month and for reporting the state of the MSG to the USS White Sands’ Command Staff. The OIC is also responsible for making final award promotion recommendations up the chain of command.
Qualifications: Must be commissioned Marine Officers with a focus on leadership and either Aerospace (AE) or Medical (MD) qualifications. Required courses include SFMCA courses PD-100, PD-132, PD-135, PD-201, and an AE or MD qualification track. Additionally, Leadership Development courses LD-100, LD-201, and LD-211 are strongly recommended for this role.
Deputy Officer-in-Charge (DOIC)
Second-in-command of the 898th MSG, the Deputy Officer in Charge should be ready to step into the OIC position in case the OIC is unable to fulfill his/her duties. This may be on a temporary basis or a more permanent basis. Close collaboration between the OIC and DOIC ensures a smooth handover if the DOIC needs to assume the OIC position. The DOIC also serves as the personnel manager for the Strike Group and coordinates awards and promotion recommendations to the OIC for further evaluation by the USS White Sands Command Staff.
Qualifications: Must be commissioned Marine Officers with a focus on leadership and either Aerospace (AE) or Medical (MD) qualifications. Required courses include SFMCA courses PD-100, PD-132, PD-135, PD-201, and an AE or MD qualification track. Additionally, Leadership Development courses LD-100, LD-201, and LD-211 are strongly recommended for this role.
Aerospace Section Chief
Voting member of the Command Staff. The Section Chief is the Commanding Officer for their section (Aerospace). They are charged with reporting the disposition of all Aerospace personnel to the DOIC of the Strike Group. All primary Aerospace Marines report to the Aerospace Section Chief.
Qualifications: Must be a commissioned Marine Officer who has completed SFMCA courses PD-130 and AE-291.
Medical Section Chief
Voting member of the Command Staff. The Section Chief is the Commanding Officer for their section (Medical). They are charged with reporting the disposition of all Medical personnel to the DOIC of the Strike Group and aiding the CMO of the USS White Sands as needed. All primary Medical Marines report to the Medical Section Chief.
Qualifications: Must be a commissioned Marine Officer who has completed SFMCA courses PD-130 and ME-221/ME-291 or ME-301.
Detachment Liaison
Voting member of the Command Staff. The Detachment Liaison represents the interests of any other Marine branch personnel assigned to the MSG. They are charged with reporting the disposition of all personnel that are not assigned to either Aerospace or Medical sections to the DOIC of the Strike Group. All Marines not assigned to either Aerospace or Medical report to the Detachment Liaison.
Qualifications: Must be a commissioned Marine Officer with a broader range of knowledge to represent potentially attached forces. This requires completing SFMCA courses PD-100, AE-100, AR-100, CE-100, MD-100, ME-100, IN-100, SO-100, and SU-100.
NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer-In-Charge)
Non-Voting Advisory member of the Command Staff. Being the most senior enlisted member of the Strike Group, they represent the interests of all enlisted members of the Strike Group. They are charged with reporting the disposition of all Enlisted personnel to the DOIC of the Strike Group. They are also the organizer of any enlisted only activities or operations. All Enlisted Marines report to the NCOIC.
Qualifications: Must be a senior enlisted Marine who has completed SFMCA courses PD-100, PD-130, PD-135, NCO-100, NCO-201, and NCO-251.
III. Chapter finances
Currently, members don’t pay extra dues to participate in USS White Sands events. However, it is expected that regular attendees to ship functions be active members of STARFLEET International.
This policy may be revised at any time if necessary. Here’s the process:
- An announcement will be made using the chapter’s primary communication tool, currently our Facebook group.
- The proposed change will be prominently displayed on the next meeting’s agenda.
- A vote will be held during the meeting. A simple majority is required to implement collecting dues.
Each member of the ship is responsible for their own expenses when we take part in activities that require payment, like museum visits or movie premieres. In these cases, members will either pay for themselves at the event or reimburse the person who arranges a block of tickets beforehand. Most events are planned well in advance to avoid needing members to “front” or pay for another’s attendance.
After two violations of this policy, organizers may exclude repeat offenders from the headcount, potentially barring them from the event. Further abuse may result in the member being asked to leave the ship.
Additionally, members may host get-togethers at their homes. A potluck signup sheet will allow attendees to list what they plan to bring. Crew members should read the list carefully to avoid duplicate items. No one is expected to cover all expenses, and members should only contribute what they can afford.
IV. Charity/Community service programs
One of the founding principles of STARFLEET is to work towards building stronger communities through the efforts of its members. While participation in community service programs and the support of charitable organizations is not required, it is highly encouraged for all crew members.
The Chief of Sciences spearheads the organization of community service events. All events will be publicized to the ship to allow all crew members the opportunity to take part if they wish.
Additionally, the 898th Marine Strike Group may organize some charity events. These events are open to all members, and we encourage everyone to participate. MSG events will also be publicized to the ship.
When participating in these events, crew members are encouraged to wear apparel showing themselves as members of the USS White Sands.
Our signature event is our winter Toys for Tots drive, one of our oldest recurring events. We also organize other events throughout the year to support various causes championed by our members.
V. Crew promotions
Upon joining the USS White Sands, you have the choice of accepting a rank or staying a Federation citizen. Those seeking a rank start as an E-1 (Crewman Recruit for STARFLEET Officers, Private for STARFLEET Marines). Completing Office Training School (OTS) with a passing grade earns you O-1 (Ensign or Second Lieutenant). Ranks beyond E-1 are awarded on a point system, which can be seen in Appendix D. You earn points through participation with the ship, such as attending business meetings, conventions, and other away missions. Time in rank is also taken into consideration. This system ensures that promotions are based on merit, not favoritism.
If you are transferring from another STARFLEET vessel, we will recognize your earlier rank. Ranks from other Star Trek fan organizations are not currently recognized.
The Executive Officer (XO) manages promotions. The XO keeps track of each member’s participation points and time in rank. Every six months (starting January 2023), the XO reviews member eligibility and recommends promotions to the Commanding Officer (CO). A list of those eligible is circulated among the Command Staff, who will have two weeks to provide comments. After this period, the CO and XO decide on promotions based on points, time in grade, and staff feedback.
We recommend keeping track of your own points to check promotion eligibility. If you believe a promotion was missed, contact the XO to discuss. The XO keeps individual records for such discussions.
FLEET level promotions
Promotions beyond Commander/Lieutenant Colonel are awarded as described in the STARFLEET International Membership Handbook section about rank and cannot be changed by this Chapter. The tables above have a recommended number of points for these Fleet level promotions, but none of them can be guaranteed since the STARFLEET Executive Committee is the sole awarding authority for these promotions.
STARFLEET Marine Warrant Officers
Marine Enlisted Members of the crew may be promoted beyond the basic ranks into the Warrant Officer grades. Warrant Officers need to choose a particular branch of the SFMC as a concentration, and any Marine wishing to advance into the Warrant Officer grades should announce that intention (along with their chosen branch of the Marine Corps) to the CO, XO, and Marine OIC for the 898th MSG.
Promotional requirements to the first Warrant Officer (WO) grade are as follows:
- 3-5 years in service to the STARFLEET Marine Corps
- Hold the minimum rank of Sergeant
- Complete OTS (through SFA), and PD-100, IN-100, LD-100, and NCO-100 (through SFMCA)
- Complete a minimum of the -20 level course in their chosen branch
VI. Awards and recognition program
To reward member participation, the USS White Sands has prepared its own awards and recognition program, to compliment the Regional and FLEET awards programs. These awards are generally presented at the annual Commission Anniversary celebration. All crew members can recommend other crew members for awards, and the Command Staff will consider them. To nominate someone, please use the Award recommendation form and complete it to the best of your ability. Completed nomination forms should be sent to the XO, who will review all nominations for completeness and present them to the CS for a vote.
Awards that are sanctioned by STARFLEET are listed in the Appendices (all awards are considered Orders, 3rd class). Since these awards are presented by STARFLEET, they can take a period of 1-2 months to be sent to the chapter. If a member wishes to nominate a fellow member for these awards, they should send their nomination into the XO at least 3 months before the Anniversary party. These awards may or may not come with a ribbon or other uniform designation. Upon a vote of the CS for an Order 3rd Class award, the CO will file the nomination with STARFLEET by filling out the nomination form.
The Region 17 Awards Program recognizes our hardworking and exceptional STARFLEET members in good standing. These people are recognized for their participation and support of STARFLEET and regional activities, going beyond the level of the average STARFLEET Region 17 member. More information can be found on the Region 17 website.
USS White Sands certificates
The White Sands will also present its own awards that are certificates only. These awards are local and do not come with any sort of uniform recognition. Additionally, these awards are given out based solely on their criteria; if no one has earned these awards, the awards will not be handed out. Unless the award specifically says that it is only awarded to one member, it may be awarded to all members that meet the criteria. These awards will be presented at the Commissioning Ceremony/Anniversary party, so nominations are due to the XO at least one month before the Commissioning Ceremony/Anniversary party date.
| Award name | Award description |
| Medal of Valor | Awarded for heroism at the risk of personal safety. Requires nominations by two members in good standing, one of which must be a member of the Command Staff. |
| Distinguished Service | Awarded to any member for distinguished service to the Ship. Requires nominations by two members in good standing, one of which must be a member of the Command Staff. |
| Captain Kirk Award | Awarded to one adult member per year for outstanding service to the Ship. |
| Captain Janeway Award | Awarded to one adult officer per year for outstanding service to the Ship. |
| Chief O’Brien Award | Awarded to one adult enlisted member per year for outstanding service to the Ship. |
| Cadet Award | Awarded to one cadet member per year for outstanding service to the Ship. |
| Transwarp Commendation | Awarded to any member for distinguished service during an away mission. Requires nominations by two members in good standing, one of which must be a member of the Command Staff. |
| Humanitarian Award | Awarded to any member who administers humanitarian aid (including first aid) to someone without placing his/her own life in danger. |
| Recruitment Medal | Awarded to any member who recruits at least 5 active members to the Ship and STARFLEET International. |
| Departmental Commendation | Awarded by a Department Head to any member of their department who has made a significant contribution. Receipt of this award does not disqualify a member from receiving other awards. |
| Reserve Corps Service Award | Awarded to any member in reserve, detachment or correspondence status who contributes to the Ship in a way deserving of recognition. |
| Khitomer Medal | Awarded to any member wounded seriously enough to require medical attention during a Ship function. |
| Freighter Service Award | Awarded to any member who provided transportation services during an out of town away mission, such as transporting gear or food items for a Ship activity. |
| Crew Excellence Service Award | Awarded to any member who maintains at least a 90% attendance rate for all Ship events for one calendar year. |
| Public Relations Award | Awarded to any member who served the Ship during a convention. |
| Civil Service Award | Awarded to any member who participates in community service activities/events outside of regular Ship activities. |
| Good Samaritan Award | Awarded to any member who participates in a Charity event in the Ship’s name. |
| Ambassadorial Service Medal | Awarded to any member who participates in an away mission with another Star Trek-related club. This may be cooperative or competitive and must be done while obviously participating as a crew member of the USS White Sands. Crew members who are also members of the same fan organization are not eligible. |
| Away Mission Award | Awarded to any member who participates in an away mission with another non-Star Trek-related club. This may be cooperative or competitive and must be done while obviously participating as a crew member of the USS White Sands. Crew members who are also members of the same organization are not eligible. |
| Shuttle Service Award | Awarded to any member who provides carpooling services to other Ship members during an out of town away mission. Family members are not included. |
| Civilian Achievement Award | Awarded to any civilian member who has made an outstanding contribution to the Ship. |
| 10 Year Service Cross | Awarded to any member in good standing who has served the Ship as a member for ten years. |
| 5 Year Service Cross | Awarded to any member in good standing who has served the Ship as a member for five years. |
| 1 Year Service Cross | Awarded to any member in good standing who has served the Ship as a member for one year. |
| Charter Member Award | Awarded to all adult crew members of the Ship upon Commissioning as an active vessel. Only awarded once. |
| Cadet Charter Member Award | Awarded to all cadet crew members of the Ship upon Commissioning as an active vessel. Only awarded once. |
Appendix A: Abbreviations and acronyms
STARFLEET International
| CQ | Communiqué | FOS | Flag Officer’s School |
| MSG | Marine Strike Group | OCC | Officers’ Command College |
| OTS | Officers’ Training School | R17 | Region 17 |
| RC | Regional Coordinator | SFA | STARFLEET Academy |
| SFI | STARFLEET International | SFMC | STARFLEET Marine Corps |
| SFMCA | STARFLEET Marine Corps Academy | ShOC | Shakedown Operations |
| VRC | Vice Regional Coordinator |
Ranks and offices
The below list is sorted alphabetically, not in hierarchical order.
| BDR | Brigadier | BGN | Brigadier General |
| CAPT | Captain | CDR | Commander |
| CO | Commanding Officer | COB | Chief of the Boat |
| COMM | Commodore | CRR | Crewman Recruit |
| CS | Commander, STARFLEET | CS | Our ship’s Command Staff |
| CWO | Chief Warrant Officer | DOIC | Deputy Officer in Charge |
| EC | SFI Executive Committee | ENS | Ensign |
| FADM | Fleet Admiral | FCAPT | Fleet Captain |
| LCDR | Lieutenant Commander | LT | Lieutenant |
| LTjg | Lieutenant, junior grade | MGEN | Major General |
| NCOIC | Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge | OIC | Officer in Charge |
| VCS | Vice Commander, STARFLEET | XO | Executive Officer |
USS White Sands ship departments
| Comms | Communications | Ops | Operations |
Appendix B: Background information
This section is a brief overview of the real-world history of the Chapter.
Appendix C: USS White Sands
This section will include the deck layout and other non-essential biographical information about the ship.
Appendix D: Promotions, ranks, and related information
This will be the various tables for promotion points.
Appendix E: Regional and STARFLEET awards
Place tables with other awards here.
Appendix F: USS White Sands award recommendation
The physical recommendation form for awards.
Appendix G: Organization Chart
A chart showing the leadership structure of the ship.
Appendix H: Current Command Staff
A list of current Command Staff, including the Marine Strike Group.