USS Rutledge

The USS Rutledge (NCC-57295) was a New Orleans-class Federation starship in service in the 24th century. By the early 2360s, the Rutledge was under the command of Captain Benjamin Maxwell.

In 2362, the Rutledge was the first starship to arrive on Setlik III and discovered that Starfleet officers were being attacked and killed by the Cardassians. Thankfully, due to the efforts of enlisted crewman Miles O'Brien and his team, 13 Starfleet officers were rescued. In recognition of O'Brien's efforts, Maxwell made him his tactical officer. However, several Rutledge crewman died during the Setlik III Massacre, including Will Kayden and Raymond Boone. (TNG episode: "The Wounded", and DS9 episode: "Tribunal").

During the brief Federation-Klingon War of 2373, the Rutledge and the USS Tecumseh led Starfleet forces during a counter-attack on the Archanis sector. (DS9 episode: "...Nor the Battle to the Strong").