As the first of a new class of Federation Supercarriers, the USS Freedom was built at Gateway Shipbuilding dock in Galesburg, IL, and was the new flagship of the 3rd Carrier Battlegroup.

History

       After the decommissioning of the USS Hornet, the flagship of the 3rd Battlegroup, the 3rd Carrier Battlegroup was left without a flagship. It was also during this time that the USS Sun Prairie was announced to be under construction, and so the navy decided that the flagship role would be transfered to the Sun Prairie, so that the carrier group wouldn't be without a flagship. However, the Sun Prairie was commissioned as an Amphibious Assault Ship, and therefore it would not classify as a correct "Flagship." Thus that role would need to be temporary. The Navy, after hearing this, approved Gateway's proposal for 3 supercarriers. The first was to be named Freedom, after a vessel from the Federation's inspiration series, Star Trek.

Construction

      The USS Freedom as well as her sister ships are unique in being the first ships in the navy constructed using Foamcore material. This material is stronger than the typical Cardboard previously used in the navy's Carrier Fleets, and is white, thus making Deck Markings far more readable and usable. The carrier was based on the Chinese Liaoning carrier, and was designed to feature a wider flight deck and landing deck than previous carriers, and features the most detailed Landing and Takeoff markings on any Federation Carrier. It is all in all a massive beast, and will likely be commissioned with the navy for months to come. 

Complement

       The Freedom was designed to accommodate both large and small loads of aircraft, and was currently assigned 5 Sparrows of the Fighting 18th. However, the carrier was estimated to be able to successfully operate up to 20 Fighters of various types, and could carry more than 40 in an emergency situation. In addition, the carrier also has Firestar Complements in mind, and thus can carry them if necessary. However, being such a large carrier, V/STOL Craft such as the Firestar are not in their prime whilst aboard, and can be used more effectively elsewhere, such as the USS Sun Prairie.