The USS Ronald E. McNair is named to honor the NASA astronaut Ronald E. McNair, PhD.. He was born October 21, 1950 in Lake City, South Carolina. After graduating from North Carolina A&T State College, he received his Ph.D. in physics from MIT. In 1984 he served as mission specialist on the space shuttle mission STS-41B. Ronald E. McNair was the second African American in space. On the morning of January 28, 1986, McNair and six crew members tragically died in the Challenger (STS-51L) space shuttle explosion.

The USS Ronald E. McNair members support charitable organizations and science education in the Columbia, S.C. area, and try to build a positive future in the optimistic spirit found in the Star Trek TV series and movies. We also enjoy recreational opportunities: the crew of the McNair is a fun group

 STARFLEET International is the largest and longest-running Star Trek fan organization.

In 1973, John Bradbury and a group of Texas-based Star Trek fans decided to proclaim their love of all things Trek by forming their own fan club, the USS Enterprise. Under Bradbury’s leadership, the little club did many of the same things modern STARFLEET chapters do: Fundraisers, costuming, parties, newsletters, and fan publications. Most importantly, though, the Enterprise had ambition beyond just being a tiny group of friends. The Enterprise wanted to grow, and see other fans .

And grow they did! The little fan club that could soon attracted members from across Texas, and as people recognized the fun and camaraderie that they could be having if they joined – or formed – a similar club of their own, people began asking if they could start their own clubs in their local areas, based around the central USS Enterprise. Enterprise command staff held a meeting shortly thereafter to discuss the future of the budding organization. From the discussion, STARFLEET was born.

In the modern STARFLEET, you’ll find thousands of fans in hundreds of worldwide chapters that meet both in person or online/by mail, all equally dedicated to the friendship and courage that Star Trek espouses. Some perform great works of charity, some help educate people, some provide a place to expand your costuming and prop making expertise. We’re present at many different Sci-Fi and Fandom conventions every year. There’s even chapters of Star Trek roleplayers, if you’re looking to take on the personna of a Vulcan science officer for yourself. The ‘FLEET contains people from many different walks of life and backgrounds, and we’d be more than happy to have you in our ranks. With your help and unique input, you can help STARFLEET International live long and prosper!

The McNair is part of First Fleet, Region One of Starfleet International.  STARFLEET Region One is made up of chapters of STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. located in the following states:  Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia