USS Impeller

The USS Impeller was a Federation Starfleet vessel in service during the 2270s, designated as a cutter.

History
In 2279, the Impeller was assigned to the Belle Terre Colonial Expedition as an escort vessel under the command of Captain Daniel Merkling.

During the voyage, a criminal named Billy Maidenshore orchestrated a series of accidents to convince the people on the passanger ship Yukon to turn back. The leader of the Starfleet contingent, Captain James T. Kirk assigned the Impeller and the privateer ship Hunter's Moon to escort back the Yukon to Federation space. On the way back, they were ambushed by five Orion slaver ships. In the course of the battle, Impeller's bridge was hit, and Pavel Chekov beamed over from the Yukon to save who he could. Because of his injuries, Captain Merkling placed Chekov in command, who was able to hold back the Orions long enough for the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) to arrive.

In the aftermath of the battle, the Impeller out of 80 crewmembers lost 29 including her first officer, and the others were injured. The ship itself suffered serious damage, so Captain Kirk ordered them back the Federation territory.