Vaughan Rittenhouse

Vaughan Rittenhouse was an officer in the United Federation of Planets Starfleet during the 23rd century. By 2270 he had reached the rank of Vice Admiral]].

Rittenhouse guided the contruction of the Federation Class Dreadnought USS Star Empire, and intended to use it in his attempt to overthrow the civilian government of the Federation in a military coup. Before his plans could be brought to fruition the Star Empire was stolen by a group of officers determined to stop Rittenhouse from succeeding. His plot exposed, Rittenhouse ordered the destruction of his ship, the USS Pompeii.

The actions of Rittenhouse were very damaging to Starfleet's reputation. Admiral Heihachiro Nogura stated to James T. Kirk that many in the Federation were associating Starfleet with secret cabals and Admirals with too much power in his bid to convince Captain Kirk to accept a promotion to Admiral.