Crewmember Orientation Guide

Version 2.0 | February 2025
Adopted: Stardate [Unadopted]
Digital download

Table of Contents

1. Welcome Aboard!
   1. Minors and others requiring supervision
   2. Uniforms/Dress code
2. Chapter History
3. Starship Auxiliaries
   1. 898th Marine Strike Group (MSG)
   2. Special Operations Unit 9505 (SOU)
   3. STARFLEET Petfleet (SFPet)
4. Crew Ranks and Promotions
5. Awards and Recognition Program
6. Departments of the USS White Sands
7. Chapter Finances
8. Charity/Community Service Programs
9. Abbreviations and Acronyms
10. Supplementals

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.

As of December 2024, the USS White Sands does not 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.

Minors and others requiring supervision

All people 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 in this chapter.

Uniforms/Dress code

Uniforms are never required for any ship’s activity. When uniforms are appropriate, they are highly encouraged. The ship may create t-shirts or other ship-specific apparel in the future, but no crew member is required to purchase or wear them to participate. The White Sands operates post-2370 (Star Trek: First Contact), so uniforms from that time are preferred; however, crew members are welcome to wear any Star Trek series or movie uniform.

Crew and Officer minimum uniform

For those who do not have or are unable to afford a uniform, a minimum uniform may be worn instead. The Minimum Uniform may consist of a department color (FLEET) or branch color (Marine) polo shirt, with pants or jeans. A comm badge, rank insignia, collar brass for Marines, and the SFI or chapter/MSG member badge are authorized for wear with this uniform. All head coverings are authorized. Please keep in mind the rules for wearing your intended head cover. A chapter or MSG specific shirt, whether a polo shirt or T-shirt, would also be appropriate.

Marine Strike Group uniforms

If a Marine chooses to obtain one or more uniforms for his/her use, s/he should consult with the Marines’ Uniform Policies and Guidelines Handbook for a list of the approved uniforms, insignia, and where they can be obtained. Like the non-Marine members of the USS White Sands, the Marines have a minimum uniform option. In the case of the 898th MSG, this will consist of a black, dark grey, or Branch color polo shirt, black pants, and black shoes. Refer to the Convention Minimum (1.11) entry in the Marine Uniform Policies and Guidelines Manual for further information.

Chapter History

The USS White Sands began as an idea at the 2022 Albuquerque Comic Con, where founding members Captain Bernard Dacey, Commodore Earl Beighley, and Brigadier General David Reustle discussed forming a new STARFLEET chapter in the area. Albuquerque had lacked a STARFLEET presence for approximately seven years, making the timing right to bring the organization back to the region. In a humorous anecdote that Fleet Captain Laurie McFarland often shares, when Commodore Beighley first contacted her about leading the new chapter, she discovered she was mistakenly listed on STARFLEET’s Memorial Wall—a list of deceased members of the international organization. Despite this clerical error, FCAPT McFarland was very much alive and eager to be involved. This led to a February meeting of the original five members, where the decision was made to launch a new vessel in Albuquerque: the USS White Sands, a Sovereign-class vessel set in the 2370s. The ship began as an NX vessel on February 21, 2022, and quickly achieved the minimum required membership of ten by March 12, 2022.

The USS White Sands experienced two significant losses in 2022. Founding member BGN Reustle passed away on March 30, 2022. His contributions to the chapter’s founding are fondly remembered, and the ship honors his memory with a physical shadowbox displaying his rank and awards and by naming the ship’s Captain’s Yacht in his honor. Then, on September 9, 2022, the ship tragically lost Aaron Jackson to sudden cardiac arrest. In recognition of his efforts and contributions, he was posthumously granted the rank of Captain, and a shuttle has been named in his honor.

The official commissioning of the USS White Sands took place on August 27, 2022, at Bubonicon 53, an event whose transmission reached the UK. As part of this commissioning, the ship was given its official registry number, NCC-75027. Shortly after commissioning, on September 24, 2022, the ship achieved another milestone by becoming the recipient of the STARFLEET Corps of Engineers Website Design Project. The first elections since the ship’s launch took place in December 2023. Now-Commodore McFarland was retained as Commanding Officer, and Lieutenant, Junior Grade Gene G. was elected as Executive Officer, subsequently promoted to Commander by COMM McFarland in February.

Since its commissioning, the USS White Sands has been an active and growing chapter within STARFLEET, regularly holding the position of the second-largest ship in Region 17, which encompasses Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming. The USS Tiburon in Denver holds the distinction of being the largest ship in the region. The chapter has participated in local events such as Albuquerque Comic Con and Duke City Comic Con each year from 2022 to 2024, where members have been privileged to meet Star Trek actors such as Tracee Cocco, John Billingsley, and Armin Shimerman, as well as writer Melinda Snodgrass, among others. Its annual anniversary celebrations have also been held at Bubonicon each year since 2022. The ship has conducted “Away Missions” to significant local sites, including Trinity Site in 2023, and the Very Large Array, Los Alamos, and Spaceport America in 2024.

The USS White Sands is committed to serving its community through various outreach programs. The chapter has developed a strong tradition of community service, holding an annual Toys for Tots drive after Thanksgiving, which has seen significant growth, with 147 toys donated in 2023 and an impressive 199 in 2024. The chapter has also participated in local awareness walks for multiple sclerosis (MS) and breast cancer, further demonstrating its dedication to supporting important causes. The USS White Sands continues to foster new relationships within the community and was recently invited to participate in an upcoming Star Trek week hosted by Albuquerque’s Cherry Hills library. The ship also launched a Tribble Adoption program at Bubonicon 55. The crew handcrafted each tribble and adapted materials from the USS Tiburon to create its own adoption certificate and care guide. Half of the proceeds benefited Raised by Wolves in northern New Mexico.

For 2025, the USS White Sands made a conscious decision regarding its participation in the Albuquerque Comic Con. Following the announcement of Kevin Spacey as a headlining guest, the chapter, after careful consideration, opted to join other fan organizations and vendors in boycotting the event. This decision reflects the chapter’s values and its commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The crew of the USS White Sands remains dedicated to the ideals of the fictional Starfleet and continues to serve the Albuquerque community and the wider STARFLEET organization.

Starship Auxiliaries

The USS White Sands hosts several auxiliary units for members who wish to add another dimension to their Star Trek experience.

898th Marine Strike Group (MSG)

The 898th Marine Strike Group (MSG), also known as the “Flying Medicine Men,” is the USS White Sands’ dedicated unit of STARFLEET Marines. Specializing in Medical and Aerospace operations, the 898th is a combined-arms unit, welcoming Marines from all branches. Re-established in February 2022, the 898th blends a rich history with a commitment to protecting the Federation, operating under the motto: “A spoonful of sugar helps the phaser blast go down.”

Interested crewmembers can find detailed information on membership requirements, command structure, and the MSG’s unique history in Supplemental C.

Special Operations Unit 9505 (SOU)

Special Operations Unit 9505 (SOU), also known as “Three of Swords,” is the USS White Sands’ dedicated unit of STARFLEET Special Operations (SFSO). While specializing in simulated reconnaissance, intelligence, and tactical operations, SOU 9505 welcomes members from all STARFLEET backgrounds and provides training for new operatives. Established in December 2024, the SOU operates under the motto: [TBD]

Interested crewmembers can find detailed information on membership requirements, command structure, and the SOU’s unique history in Supplemental D.

STARFLEET Petfleet (SFPet)

For members with furry, feathered, scaled, finned, stuffed, or even imaginary companions, STARFLEET PetFLEET (SFPet) offers a welcoming community within STARFLEET International. Members can register their pets, connect with other pet lovers, and participate in a variety of online activities. See petfleet.sfi.org for details on registering your pet.

Crew Ranks and Promotions

The USS White Sands employs a merit-based system for promotions, rewarding active participation and dedication. Members earn points by attending meetings, participating in events, completing STARFLEET Academy courses, and contributing to the ship’s activities. New members generally begin at the E-1 enlisted rank (Crewman Recruit or Private); however, members transferring from other STARFLEET International chapters retain their previous rank. Members joining from external fan groups will begin at the E-1 rank. Members can advance through the ranks by accumulating points and fulfilling time-in-grade requirements. The Executive Officer (XO) manages the promotion process, recommending eligible members to the Commanding Officer (CO) for final approval.

Points are awarded for a variety of activities, providing multiple pathways to advancement. Attending meetings, participating in charity or recruitment events, traveling to STARFLEET gatherings, and completing Academy courses all contribute to a member’s point total. Additional points can be earned for exceptional contributions, at the discretion of the Commanding Officer.

STARFLEET Marine Corps members have additional opportunities for advancement, including the option to pursue Warrant Officer ranks. This path requires specialized training and a commitment to a specific branch of the SFMC.

For complete details on the promotion system, including a full breakdown of point values, rank requirements, Warrant Officer qualifications, and FLEET-level promotions, please refer to Supplemental B.

Petfleet ranks

The USS White Sands follows US police and military customs of assigning pets a rank one step higher than their human’s highest STARFLEET rank. For example, if the human is an Ensign, the pet would be a Lieutenant, Junior Grade. If the human is a Captain or above, the pet is given the honorary rank of Ambassador.

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, which generally occurs during Bubonicon in August. 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 on the SFI website. 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.

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.

Chapter 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 Anniversary party, so nominations are due to the XO at least one month before the Commissioning Anniversary party date.

Valor and heroism

Humanitarian Award	Awarded to any member who administers humanitarian aid (including first aid) to someone without placing their own life in danger.
Khitomer Medal	Awarded to any member wounded seriously enough to require medical attention during a ship function.
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 and achievement

Cadet Award	Awarded to one cadet 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.
Captain Kirk Award	Awarded to one adult member 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.
Civilian Achievement Award	Awarded to any civilian member who has made an outstanding contribution to the ship.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Specific service awards

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.
Civil Service Award	Awarded to any member who participates in community service activities/events outside of regular ship activities.
Crew Excellence Service Award	Awarded to any member who maintains at least a 90% attendance rate for all ship events for one calendar year.
Freighter Service Award	Awarded to any member who provided equipment transportation services during an out of town away mission, such as transporting gear or food items for a ship activity.
Good Samaritan Award	Awarded to any member who participates in a Charity event in the ship’s name.
Public Relations Award	Awarded to any member who served the ship during a convention.
Recruitment Medal	Awarded to any member who recruits at least 5 active members to the ship and STARFLEET International.
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.

Length of service

1 Year Service Cross	Awarded to any member in good standing who has served the ship as a member for one year.
5 Year Service Cross	Awarded to any member in good standing who has served the ship as a member for five years.
10 Year Service Cross	Awarded to any member in good standing who has served the ship as a member for ten years.

Charter membership recognition

The following awards were only awarded once to recognize the charter members of the USS White Sands.

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.

Departments of the USS White Sands

Department Heads	Real-world duties
Commanding Officer (CO) First: Laurie M	The CO serves as the president (“Captain”) and chief administrator of the USS White Sands, representing the chapter to the Region, SFI, and external organizations. The CO has the authority to make decisions regarding chapter operations unless overruled by the Command Staff or SFI regulations.
Executive Officer (XO) First: Bernard D	The Executive Officer is the vice-president of the USS White Sands. The XO assists the CO and assumes the CO’s responsibilities when the CO is unavailable or delegates authority.
Chief of the Boat (COB) First DH: Guy M	The COB should be the primary advocate for the enlisted members onboard. This includes gathering feedback from the Enlisted personnel and representing them to the Command Staff. The COB can play a key role in welcoming and orienting new enlisted members, helping them to feel welcome and get involved.
Communications (Comms) First DH: Gene G	The Comms officer distributes information to the crew. Generally, this is done by recording and publishing meeting minutes, gathering content for and distribution of the chapter newsletter, and maintenance of the USSWhiteSands.org website. The Comms officer is also a Facebook page Admin.
Conn First DH: Jared F	The Conn officer is the main transportation service for the crew when going on away missions and other out-of-town chapter events.
Counseling First DH: Elene G	The ship’s counselor is the main recruiting officer for the ship, and is charged with searching out and welcoming new members to the USS White Sands.
Engineering First DH: Dee S	The Engineering officer is charged with creation and maintenance of props, such as banners, signage, and other display items.
Medical First DH: Christine W	The Medical officer ensures the ship is following all current medical guidance and is the main interface with SFI’s Medical division. The Medical officer is also charged with coordinating CPR training for the crew if desired. (This is not a professional medical role and does not require a medical degree.)
Operations (Ops) First DH: Aaron J	The Operations officer is charged with locating and organizing chapter events and activities, such as conventions or local events. The Ops officer may also be tasked with coordination with other organizations as needed.
Sciences First DH: Marsha B	The Science officer is charged with locating and organizing charitable events for the chapter, such as local volunteer opportunities.
Tactical (MSG OIC) First DH: Mike D	The Tactical officer, as the Officer In Charge of the MSG, is the liaison to SFMC and/or MACO.

Chapter Finances

Currently, members don’t pay extra dues to participate in USS White Sands events. However, this policy may be revised at any time if necessary. It is also highly encouraged that regular attendees to ship functions be active members of STARFLEET International.

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 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 crewmember being asked to leave the ship.

Additionally, members may host get-togethers at their homes. It is up to that member to determine if a potluck sheet will be available, or to make any requests known to those invited. No one should be expected to cover all expenses, and members should only contribute what they can afford.

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 events is not required, it is highly encouraged for all crew members.

The Chief of Sciences spearheads the organization of community service events, although the MSG may organize additional events. All events will be publicized to the ship to allow all crew members the opportunity to take part if they wish.

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.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

STARFLEET International

CQ	Communiqué (SFI newsletter)	FOS	Flag Officer’s School
MSG	Marine Strike Group	OCC	Officers’ Command College
OTS	Officers’ Training School	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

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	Command Staff (for our ship)
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