The rich history of Enterprise

With our chapter being all about beginnings, we’re looking into the Captain who preceded not just Kirk, but Pike as well. In the 2240s Captain Robert April oversaw construction of a new class of ship, the Constitution-Class. That vessel eventually become the most famous ship in all of Starfleet, the USS Enterprise. Which he commanded from 2245 to 2250. April’s wife even served as Chief Medical officer on the ship. His first officer was Christopher Pike. After he completed his five year mission, he was promoted to Commodore and became a respected Federation Ambassador-at-Large.

By 2256, April had become one of Starfleet’s most decorated captains. Something that would become quite common for those that commanded the Enterprise. In 2270 April would once again step aboard the Enterprise. He would be transported by the ship to Babel, where he would retire. During this mission, the Aprils and the crew would encounter Karla Five and her Reverse Universe. This encounter would lead to everyone ageing backwards. Following these exceptional circumstances, Starfleet reconsidered his appeal to have his mandatory retirement rescinded.

“No matter where I’ve traveled in the galaxy, Jim, this bridge is more like home than anywhere else.”
“Yes, Commodore, I know the feeling.”
“To me she was always like my child. I was there in the San Francisco Navy Yards when her unit components were built.”

Robert April reminisces about the Enterprise with Kirk

The character of Robert April was never in a live-action adaptation. Instead he was brought into the Star Trek universe in the animated series. He featured in the episode “The Counter-Clock” incident. He was voiced by none other than James Doohan, who you may know as Mongomery “Scotty” Scott.