Following a series of security breaches involving the unauthorized reactivation of decommissioned starships during the Romulan War (2244-2245), Starfleet Command implemented new regulations to ensure the integrity of retired vessels. Decommissioned starships must have essential communication, command, and control systems, along with reserve power, maintained until they are scrapped.
Regulation
Upon decommissioning of any Starfleet vessel, the following critical systems shall remain fully operational and functional until the point of final scrapping:
- Warp Core Containment Field Subsystems
- These systems ensure the safe containment of the warp core's antimatter reaction. Disabling them prior to scrapping presents an unacceptable safety hazard.
- Emergency Life Support Systems
- Decommissioned vessels may be used for temporary storage of personnel or sensitive materials. Maintaining life support allows for rapid repurposing in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- Essential Communication Arrays
- A decommissioned vessel may still possess valuable sensor data or historical records. Maintaining basic communication protocols allows for retrieval of this information during the scrapping process.
- Command and Control Subsystems
- While core navigational functions will be deactivated, critical control protocols must remain operational to facilitate safe maneuvering during transport to scrapyards or salvage operations.
- Reserve Power Cells
- A minimum of two fully charged deuterium reserve power cells shall be retained aboard any decommissioned vessel until the point of final scrapping. These reserve cells are to be utilized solely for powering the aforementioned core functionalities (Section 1) during transport or for emergency situations.
- Deactivation Protocols
- All other systems aboard a decommissioned vessel shall be systematically deactivated and secured in accordance with Starfleet Engineering Corps decommissioning protocols (SFEC DP-0214).
Historical Context
During the early stages of the Romulan War (2243-2245), Starfleet's efforts to rapidly reactivate decommissioned vessels were hampered by lengthy refitting procedures. Intelligence gathered from loaned Andorian warships revealed a stark contrast in decommissioning protocols. The Andorian Imperial Guard maintained core systems (communication, command, control) in their retired vessels, enabling reactivation within days compared to weeks or months for Starfleet ships.
This revelation prompted immediate revisions to Starfleet regulations. Drawing inspiration from the "Andorian Shortcut," Starfleet implemented Regulation 1128.4 (effective January 1st, 2248). This regulation mandated that key systems of decommissioned starships remain operational until final scrapping, facilitating faster deployment in times of war. This procedural shift allowed Starfleet to bolster its fleet swiftly, contributing to eventual victory over the Romulans.