Maelstrom is the Flagship of the Fleet. Her mission is first contact, exploration, scientific discovery disaster relief and diplomatic functions. All Alpha shift crew are given subdermal implants when they arrive. These implants allow for communication in places where communicators are not able to be used and they also allow the folks in sickbay to monitor all away team members. Each subdermal implant is encoded to the specif person they are implanted in. The implantation of these devices is painless and quickly administered by the capable medical staff. This is a practice carried over from when Maelstrom was used in special ops.

The Maelstrom was commanded by Rear Admiral Cara McEwen from January 24, 2000 until September 2004. In September of 2004 Captain Evan Healwen took command of Maelstrom. His executive officer, Commander K'Taryal has been with the Maelstrom in one form or another since January 2004.

The Maelstrom is a Galaxy class ship (think TNG series). There are, of course, a few modifications to the ship as technology has progressed over the past 15+ years. Still one of the most plush ships in the fleet the Galaxy class cruiser is able to house hundreds of people and is perfect for diplomats or during negotiations. Following the tradition of the Enterprise, Maelstrom still allows families to be aboard and has a thriving civillian population.