The USS Lydia Sutherland was a Federation starship in service in the mid 23rd century.
By 2263, the Lydia Sutherland was under the command of Captain James T. Kirk, and Lieutenant Commander Gary Mitchell was serving as first officer.
In late 2263, the Lydia Sutherland was dispatched to the planet Ghioghe to establish contact with its inhabitants. Captain Kirk and Lt. Commander Mitchell led a landing party down to the surface. However, a fatal mistake was made and the Ghioghians attacked the landing party and the Lydia Sutherland, resulting in the starships destruction. Kirk and Mitchell managed to escape in an escape pod.