Posted February 22, 2018 by Daniel Lerner
[Originally posted in WeBBspace on February 22, 2018]
“Me debunk an American myth?
And take my life in my hands?
Where the great plains begin
At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
Where the great plains begin”
Edict #4
As some of you have heard, Kenson Koh is stepping down as CO of the USS Aztec. Not everyone may realize the impact of that. But at a minimum, it does mean this will be a long edict…
The USS Aztec was commissioned on May 24, 2000. Almost one year later, on April 18, 2001, Kenson was promoted to Captain and appointed as the Aztec’s third CO. A position he has held to this day, almost 17 years later. Seventeen years is a long time to hold a CO position in STF. In fact, it is a record in STF. (One of our other active COs is coming up to 13 years, and our two prior longest-serving COs were 11 years and 12 years). For most members, the Aztec is indistinguishable from Kenson and his leadership there.
During those 17 years, Kenson was promoted two more times: in 2003 to Fleet Captain and in 2006 to Commodore. Ten years later, in 2016, he received a commendation in recognition of being the longest serving CO in the club. While serving as the Aztec’s CO, the Aztec also took on the crew from the USS Victorious (which was decommissioned in 2011 and merged with the USS Aztec) such that the Aztec took on its own legacy and the legacy of the Victorious (a ship that went back to STF’s pre-web days).
In his 17 years as the Aztec’s CO, Kenson has also helped out STF in a number of other ways, including hold FComm positions, and being an active senior GM in the Gamemaster Department.
To quote from one of our bylaws, Kenson has clearly “made exceptional commitments to the club above and beyond that which is required for a number of years”. Also, by virtue of the 17 years he has served as CO of the Aztec, while also committing to his work as a GM, and the occasional cabinet level position during that time, I believe that Kenson “[has] also had a permanent and lasting impact in developing the club through government work in Fleets or Departments”.
Therefore, I hereby promote Kenson Koh to the rank of Rear Admiral.
Now, what to do about the Aztec itself? Given how closely connected the Aztec is with Kenson, with Kenson’s departure I believe I shall follow tradition and retire the Aztec with Kenson departure as CO. The Aztec is Kenson and Kenson is the Aztec.
Therefore, with the agreement of the Fleet Commander of the Foremost Fleet and the incoming CO, I hereby rechristen the USS Aztec as the USS Memorial, NCC-98800, Memorial-class. I am also tasking the USS Memorial with the responsibility of ensuring the history and legacy of the USS Aztec is preserved as the ship’s CO sees fit. The USS Memorial’s CO, or the CO’s designate, may seek the assistance of the Librarian if appropriate in the circumstances.
In addtion, based on the recommendation of the Fleet Commander, Foremost Fleet, I hereby promote Kirt Gartner to the rank of Captain and appoint him as Commanding Officer of the USS Memorial.
Kirt, it’s about time you got in the command chair, and your recent passing of the Academy’s CO course just makes the decision even easier.
The ship name change should take place in-character no later than the end of the ship’s current sim. In addition, TECH, please can you make the ship-name change when it is possible, given that there are a few high priority items already on your plate right now.
Congratulations Kenson and Kirt!
Daniel Lerner
President