USS Cortez (24th century)

The USS Cortez was a Federation starship in service to Starfleet in the late 24th century. She was commanded by Captain Quentin Swofford, and had a crew complement of 400 people.

In 2374, the Cortez was a participant in Operation Return. 

Later that year, while patrolling the Cardassian-Federation border, a squadron of Jem'hadar attack fighters engaged the Cortez. Before her destruction, she emitted a distress call. The USS Defiant (NX-74205) (I) responded to the call, and initiated an unsuccessful search-and-recovery mission for survivors.