To Explore

The USS Lexington begins her first exploratory mission after the Khitomer accords. With the Klingon Border gradually demilitarised and starships built exclusively for 'border defence' were slowly mothballed. Starfleet found that the frontier was back open and several suitable ships were saved and had there extensive command and control facilities replaced by science labs, spacious quarters and advanced sensors. The Lexington Class was prime material for expanding the Federations new drive for exploration. She was two thirds the size of the Excelsior but as well armed and had about the same range which made her ideal to supplement the Excelsior in exploratory missions.

The Lexington class served distinctively until they themselves were all mothballed in 2356 after been superseded by far more capable vessels. However the onset of the Dominion War saw them pressed back into service, ironically refitted to fulfil there original role as Command Cruisers. In a bizarre story the Republic was taken command of by a former Ensign who had served on her on his first posting. Of the 24 suitable for reactivation only 3 survived the war as they were prime targets because of there ability to coordinate task forces tipping unfavourable situations to Starfleets advantage.

The Lexington Class was first seen in Klingon Academy.

Model and render by myself in 3DS Max and Photoshop.