Christopher Olding

Officer's Career to Date:

Christopher Olding is the son of Commodore Tom Olding, and initially followed in his father's footsteps in a career through the sciences branch. He graduated in the upper quartile of the class of 2278. On his way to his first posting on board the USS Flamenco he was drafted in as part of the Starfleet emergency relief effort to the plague-stricken colony of Port McCaffrey. Due to circumstances beyond his control he found himself in command of the relief effort for a short period. He acquitted himself in the finest traditions of the Fleet.

After serving the rest of his tour aboard the Flamenco, Olding returned to the Academy as a teacher where he found himself in the unlikely position of teaching Classics and Archaeology to unwilling students.

During his spare time as a teacher, Olding volunteered for additional duty assisting with the refit of the USS Psycho SMC-1234. As a result of his work the new commander of the Psycho, Captain Waghorn, requested him for the post of junior science officer with the new rank of Lieutenant j.g. when the Psycho recommissioned on 17th January 2281.

Promotion to Lieutenant in 2283 brought a new assignment aboard the USS Suppository as Chief Science Officer. During this period Olding volunteered for service in the Academy training program and was placed in temporary command of the cadet training ship USS Zimmerframe in 2286. Whilst in command a crisis situation arose, and Olding and his crew of cadets were forced into active service, rescuing civilians from a stricken liner. During the rescue the Zimmerframe came under attack from Orion pirates. Under Olding's command the Zimmerframe defeated the Orions and completed the rescue with no loss of life.

Due to his outstanding performance as a science officer and his obvious talents in the command arena, Olding was granted promotion to Lieutenant-Commander in 2286. He requested a posting where he could hone his command skills, and was transferred to the USS Jackrabbit in 2287 in the dual role of Second Officer and Science Officer.

The successful completion of his command training in 2289 led to promotion to full commander and reassignment to USS Foxtrot as First Officer.

His time aboard the Foxtrot proved to be a turning point in Olding's career. In late 2290 Olding was part of a first contact landing party on the planet of Ckorrefektia. As part of the negotiations Olding and seven Ckorrefektians entered the conference room at 11:62 local time. When the doors were opened at 15:23 Olding proved to be only one in the room left alive.

The resultant enquiry exonerated Commander Olding of all blame, but a shadow was cast on an otherwise impressive record. Whilst not wishing to waste his undoubted command ability, when the time came, in 2291, for Olding to assume his captaincy, it was felt that his first command should be the USS Psycho, rather than the USS Lexington as was previously considered.

Previous Commanding Officers' Comments:

"A more than competent student, however his future career will be limited by his unwillingness to apply himself outside his chosen specialisation."

-    Commodore David Garrod, Commandant Starfleet Academy

"Outstanding science officer, needs to work on his interpersonal skills a bit."

-    Captain Yvette Waghorn, Commanding Officer USS Psycho.

"This officer has shown hitherto unsuspected ability in the field of command and I have no hesitation and the utmost pleasure in recommending him for promotion."

-    Captain Derek Tallon Commanding Officer USS Suppository.

"While there can be no argument as to this officer's abilities, the unfortunate incident on Ckorrefektia leads me to conclude that it would be unwise to put him in a high profile position where he would be representing Starfleet and the Federation on a daily basis."

-    Captain Patrick McCarthy, Commanding Officer USS Foxtrot.

Decorations this officer is entitled to:

Axanar Peace Cross

Pentares Ribbon of Commendation 2nd Class

Vulcan Science Academy Scroll of Excellence

Distinguished Service Medal