[Federation Executive Office]

On this day, Saturday the 1st of May 2010, we officially mark the 8th anniversary of The United Federation of Planets!
(Be sure to press ctrl F5)

On behalf of all of Starfleet Command, we'd like to thank every member who has joined and stuck with us. Your continued support of this fleet ensures its very future for years to come. We'd also like to thank the many members who are sadly no longer with us, for one reason or another. Those that have made a positive impact on this fleet in their own unique way, have helped the UFP remain confident and strong throughout.
We at Starfleet Command continue to work hard to make sure the fleet remains on course to provide the best Star Trek gaming experience possible, and we wnjoy the challenges such a fortunate role provides us. However we know that a great many of you are also responsible for keeping the UFP moving. Particularly the COs and XOs of this fleet, who spend a great deal of time and effort to make sure this is the finest fleet around. Your talents and dedication make our idealistic vision for a fleet possible. For that you have our continued thanks, and our support.
Of course the {UFP} is founded on the idea that we should utilise and open up ideas and progress to all members. We understand that a fleet of this size has an amazing mix of unique skills and opinions. Those which we are forever inviting you all to share with us, to enhance and enrich the fleet. For those who take advantage of that opportunity, we'd also like to thank for your contribution.

As we think back at 8 years of pure online Star Trek gaming, it seems fitting to mark this day, and the days ahead in celebration of the Star Trek games we have available to us, and to Star Trek itself.

So we hope you can partake and enjoy the many activities we have coming up!

Now a few words from our Fleet and Vice Fleet Admiral.

Spending the first 3 months of its existance under the banner of FBN (FlyByNight) as a Bridge Commander clan, the fleet took a new name (UFP) in August of the same year, and new leadership (myself) and subsequently direction a month after. With the formation of what was known at the time as the Admirals Council (now known as Starfleet Command), those officers, with the help of the sparse few members we had then, set to work on creating a fleet like no other.

To this day, the UFP has remained staunchly supporting Star Trek games, through droughts (Activision-Paramount lawsuit), terrible release games (Legacy), and some unfortunate identity theif opportunists. Despite the many obstacles, we have found a commonality shared amongst a great many of our members, past and present. The belief that we can rise above and away from the drama and politics that we witness in other clans and fleets. To steer around power struggles and petty bickering. With like minded folk, we built a fleet that stood the test of time, one based on basic decency and mutual respect. One I am proud to say many people have come back to time and again, happy to see our name and banner still flying.

Now we all know and have heard the position of "it's just a game", it's undeniable. However when you see real friendships form, many hundreds of hours spent, creative thoughts flowing, a strong community built, and even hard earned money spent, I think it becomes just a little more.

I feel very fortunate to be leading this great community, and I hope to continue to lead with your support for the forseeible future. I've had a lot of great moments and memories, and I feel I've learned a lot from my time and experiences here, and from the many people I have come to know and respect.

My personal thanks to a great many of you, both professionally and personally. You guys are the reason this place has staying power, and why I can't imagine leaving.

Here's to the next 8 years, and beyond.

Fleet Admiral John Hathaway

I promise, I'll keep this short.

Over the past few years, we've been through thick and thin. We've gained members and lost members. But most of all, we've grown. I'm not talking about numbers (although there is that as well), but in experience, and maturity. And here we are today, eight years later.

As I'm sure you all have heard before, its not the destination that matters, its the journey. And this journey has been an interesting one. Throughout it all though, we've had each other to rely upon, and to keep us going. And in that same {UFP} fashion, we'll move into the future, stronger than before.

Thank you,
Vice Fleet Admiral Thomas Mullaly

P.S. Don't forget to download the latest edition of The Herald. Among the many fine articles, you'll also find further commentary on this occasion from all Starfleet Command staff.

[U.S.S. Hyperion]

/=\Honour to whom honour is due!/=\

[LynxMukka]

This is certainly a very difficult milestone to reach for any fleet, and I'm pleased to say that the {UFP} has reached 8 years and is still looking forward to the 10 year milestone.

To 2012 and beyond!

[Alexei The Visant]

Congratz guyz n girlz...

Due to this fleet...i have become addicted to star trek
Congratz once more...i hope i will be here to congratulate on your 20th anniversary ))

Alexei
Known as Bulgari xD

[Neo]

woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

god I feel old..... now I remember why I retired.....

[John Hathaway]

Today marks the end of festivities in celebration of 8 years of pure Star Trek gaming under the {UFP} banner.
Thank you to everyone who participated, and also to those who worked to organise events and behind the scenes activities.
Some of the activities we enjoyed included:
Klingon PvP and Federation character levelling in STO,
Several hours of Elite Force Fragging, with Assimilation, Capture the Flag, Free For All, Disintegration and Team Death Match,
Mass roleplay aboard Starbase 315, experiencing the dangers of life on the frontier, with the excellent RPG-X mod for Elite Force,
Every week day a double episode of every Star Trek series, followed by a weekend of Star Trek feature films.

{UFP} has outdone my wildest dreams, and I hope to see it flourish for many more years yet to come.
Long live UFP!

[Sharpkiller]

Because so many seemed to like this video...

[YOUTUBE]WdRAndr5lFU[/YOUTUBE]

[John Hathaway]

Tis the awesomeness.

[Rage]

I was a member of United Federation of Planets, not long after the Origninal Starfleet Command was released. I was there through SFCII, SFC:Orion Pirates, Elite Force, Elite Force II, Bridge Commander, and SFCIII. When Legacy was released I was dissappointed to say the least. The release of that game and family issues forced me to relinquish my commission as Fleet Captain. Imagine my suprise when I happen to come across UFP again. So many good memories of friends long gone, not to mention a few I've come across in Xfire and remnants of them on hotmail. Congrats to UFP on 8+ years of ST success!

[Cat]

Seriously cool video.