=/\= Opening =/\=

    We apologize for the tardiness of this newsletter, but as you will see it contains a great deal of information, and due to time constraints, and RL issues, this issue was slightly delayed.  However, as usual- we thank you the members for making this fleet what it is, and hope that you find this newsie as enjoyable as the others!

As always if you ever have anything you think is newsworthy please email the news team at newsletter@independencefleet.com !

=/\= News Tidbit's =/\=

--Admiral West--

     Admiral James D. West was promoted to the rank of Fleet Admiral, and thereafter announced his retirement.  Fleet Admiral West is a full time law enforcement officer, and therefore does not have the required time to devote to IDF at this moment.  With this in mind, Fleet Admiral West has provided command and ownership of IDF to Fleet Admiral Griffith, entrusting him with the four-year legacy he has built for all of us to enjoy.  Fleet Admiral West wishes the best of luck to everyone, and looks forward to monitoring the progress of his fleet from afar. 

--Admiral Griffith--

     Fleet Admiral Griffith was promoted to his current grade upon the retirement of Fleet Admiral West, and assumed the position of General Executive Director and Commander in Chief of IDF.  Fleet Admiral Griffith  looks forward to many more successful years of simming here in IDF, and wishes each of you the best of luck, health, and happiness!

 --Admiral Treniek--

      Captain Nara Treniek, long time IDF member, was promoted to the rank of Admiral, and assumes the position of Director of Fleet Operations.  Admiral Treniek looks forward to meeting, interacting, and assisting each member of the fleet as necessary, and is enthusiastic about this new era of IDF.  To contact Admiral Treniek:  via email, admiraltreniek@independencefleet.com, or via IM at lima_jarvas (YIM), kittihawk9 (AIM).

--Rear Admiral Pontmercy--

     Rear Admiral (lh) Pontmercy was promoted to Rear Admiral (uh) and is assuming position of Director of Fleet Personnel and Recruitment.  He is also extremely enthusiastic about these new changes nad looks forward to meeting and helping each member of the fleet as needed.  To contact Rear Admiral Marius Pontmercy: via email, at mpontmercy@independencefleet.com or via IM at (YIM)

yundorlee , or AIM at anuforhim.

--Captain Kaylen Rhenora--

        Captain Kaylen Rhenora is assuming command of Elite Force Sabre, and in lieu of said command, is hereby promoted to Commodore. Commodore Rhenora looks forward to getting to know each of the CO's and ships within her Elite Force, and is looking forward to the growth and success of Elite Force Sabre

--Commodore Voronov--

     Captain Rocco Voronov was also promoted to Commodore, and is assuming the position of Director of Research and Development. Between Comm. Voronov, and his co deputy directors- VAdm. Zhaan (Non Executive Admiralty) and Comm. Ashley W. Jackson (Non Executive Admiralty), they look forward to creating, and brainstorming future ideas and changes for our great fleet. Remember if you have an idea, or request please contact Comm. Voronov at: captainvoronov@gmail.com or L337Gorth on AIM!

--SB 001--

     SB 001, our R. rated Starbase has left IDF. IDF is very sad to see SB001 leave, however the CO felt that it was for the better of the simm if he left. SB001 found it difficult to attract simmers in IDF having an R. rating, and therefore when a friend of the CO's who runs another fleet which focuses on R. Rated simms, offered him membership, he asked the Senior Admiralty for permission to depart. The Admiralty wished Captain Hardgrove and his crew the best of luck, and looks forward to watching that simm grow!

--The SS Cassini--

     The story is set in the year 2378, the SS Cassini is a non Starfleet science vessel, Raven Class. She is mainly based from a research station orbiting Saturn in Earth's solar system. Her missions will be to gather data for various research projects currently or to be carried out in the not to distant future, by the research institute.

     The SS Cassini is looking for 3 open minded and dedicated simmers, who are willing to write in what is sure to be one of the most interesting voyages ever undertaken! If you think you are up to the challenge, contact Fleet Admiral Griffith today!

--SB 10, anyone interested?--

     For those of you who are looking for a new Starbase Simm, check out SB 10. SB 10 is a longtime member of IDF, however in recent months has slowed down- they are looking for a few good players to help bring things back to normal and get moving again! If you or someone you know might be interested have them contact F. Admiral Griffith ASAP!

--IDF Forum--

     IDF Forum: Yes thats right, IDF now has a forum.  The Independence Fleet   forum is a place where all of our members can discuss just about everything! We encourage you to check it out at http://forum.independencefleet.com! Remember if you haven't joined already to go and join TODAY!

--Website Design Oppurtunities?--

     IDF is presently recruiting anyone who has a working knowledge of PHP Coding and/or Java based coding to help in our continued effort to create the most advanced, user friendly, and feature abundant websites available. If you or someone you know is familiar with either PHP or Java coding, or has a extensive experience graphic design and HTML, please have them contact F. Admiral Griffith or Commodore Voronov to discuss how they could help our efforts! Remember, it is the members that make our fleet- your help and time goes to better the fleet as a whole!

--R. Admiral Karmin--

      R. Admiral Karmin would like to announce the birth of her son, Andrew William, who was born on April 29th! Andrew is now 4Mo, and growing into a beautiful young man!

--Interested in advancement?--

      If you are interested advancing within IDF, maybe becoming a Captain, a EF Director, a member of the News team, or so on - please contact Admiral Griffith to attain the application procedure and materials. We are ALWAYS looking for dedicated and interested individuals, and would love to hear from you! Just contact Admiral Griffith at your convenience!  admiralgriffith@independencefleet.com!

--USS Dread--

      The CO of the USS Dread lives in Louisiana, and due to the hurricane, RL issues, and time constraints he will be out of the game for quite a while-we wish him a speedy return! The USS Dread has therefore been placed on "Hiatus" status. This means that the simm is currently holding all posting, and is rebuilding, and recruiting. If you (or someone you know) are interested in simming on this simm, please contact Fleet  Admiral Jeremiah A. Griffith via email at  admiralgriffith@independencefleet.com  The simm currently has 4 members, and needs to get back up to around 10 or 15 before they relaunch to ensure their success! Any help, you or someone you know might be able to offer would be greatly appreciated!

--Hurricane Katrina--

      We here at the Independence Fleet HQ wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by Hurricane Katrina, and the subsequent storms. Our prayers and thoughts are with those currently finding themselves displaced, and/or still trapped in New Orleans. As a young woman from New Orleans said a while ago- "I learned from the elders that while the walls may fall, and the town may crumble- the spirit of New Orleans will always live on, and we will stay strong." We wish each and everyone of the victims and their families the speediest of recoveries and encourage them to let their spirit remain strong! Those wishing to contribute to the Relief fund may do so via the RedCross  (Donate Here) , or the Salvation Army by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. What do you think? Discuss it on the IDF Forum. 

--Chief Justice Rehnquist--

     Independence Fleet also mourns the loss of one of the greatest legal minds in the History of the United States Supreme Court. We are sad to report that on September 3rd, at approx. 10pm EST. Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist of the United States Supreme Court, succumbed to his almost year long battle with thyroid cancer. William Rehnquist was known in the court for his stern demeanor, and ultra-conservatism which earned him  the nickname "The Lone Ranger". Outside the court he was known as a loving father, devoted friend, and trivia buff. He is among 4 individuals to have served on the US's highest court for more than 33 years, and among 2 individuals to have been elevated from Associate Justice to Chief Justice directly. His passing marks the end of a nearly 4 decade influence on American's lives and the preservation of our system of justice - our rights! What do you think? Discuss it on the IDF Forum.

--Commodore Jackson and Captain Ashla Bogan--

      Commodore Ashley W. Jackson and Ret. Captain Ashla Bogan, both long time members of IDF, welcomed to the world Robert Alan Mock He was born at 0108 hours, August 22, 2005. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was 21 inches long. The Senior Admiralty wishes to extend our heart felt congratulations to both Comm. Jackson and Capt. Bogan, and wish Robert Alan the BEST in all that he may do!

--Its Continuing Mission...--

      Yes it is true, the plans, script and outline for ST XI were presented to Paramount's board of directors, earlier in August, and await approval and revision. The writer has assured those outside the project that this movie, if approved, will not be like any other ST movie before, nor will it include any of the current or past cast. What do you think? Discuss it on the IDF Forum.

- - Milestones- -

    --The 3,300th post of 2005 was posted by Captain Alayne Tolbin of the Excalibur on 8/2/05 at  4:32pm. 

     --IDF's post 3,400 for 2005 was made by Commander Ferrin of the Phoenix on 8/4/05 at 5:19pm. 

     --The 3,500th post of the year was posted by Lt Kat Cougar Walking of the Excalibur, on 8/8/05 at 8:49pm. 

    --IDF's 37,300th post since launch was a joint post between Sarek and David McMillian of the Phoenx and was made on 8/2/05 at 5:09pm. 

     --The 37,400th post was made by Commander Savai N'gellin of the Patriot and was made on 8/4/05 at 7:24pm. 

      --Post 37,500 was also made by Commander N'gellin, on 8/8/05 at 10:31am.  These figures begin with post 1 on the date of IDF's launch, 7/4/01.  Thank you to every member of the fleet who has helped us achieve such impressive statistics.

     --The USS Excalibur had its 5200th post on 8/6/05 by Lt Cmdr Sage.

    --The USS Sunfire had its 900th post by Captain Kaylen and Commander Lexington.

     --The USS Sunfire had its 1000th post.  The entire crew wrote it, to create possibly the largest joint post in the history of IDF.  Not sure if that's a good thing or not. 

    --The USS Night Runner is celebrating its first ever mission for the month of August.

--The USS Patriot had the honor of posting the most times in any one month  in the history of IDF.  The Patriot posted 531 times during August, with three of its members posting more than 100 times each.  During this period, the Patriot made the following post milestones:  2800, 2900, 3000, 3100, and 3200.  The Senior Admiralty would like to congratulate EACH and every member of the Patriot, and hereby awards each active member aboard the USS Patriot serving during the month of August the Fleet Commendation Service Ribbon Award.

=/\= Promotions =/\=

-Avalon: Lt Curran is hereby promoted to the rank of Lt Commander.

-Excalibur: Lt (jg) Arizhel is hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. 

-Patriot:
-Cmdr. Lima Jarvas is promoted to Captain (FP)
-Samira Barajas is promoted to the rank of Sr. Cmdr (FP) 
-Lt. Tara Herculiod is promoted to the rank of LCDR (FP)
-Ensign Shrayk is promoted to the rank of Lt (jg)

=/\= Retirements =/\=

-Excalibur: Commander Cassieus Deneou and Lt Colonel Richard Thorhn.

-Sunfire: Fleet Admiral James D. West and Lt Cody Archer.

-Chesapeake: Captain Momiji Olera

 Message from the GED / CnC
=/\= Fleet Admiral Jeremiah A. Griffith=/\=

Ladies and Gentleman of IDF:

     It is truly an honor to serve as your GED/CnC and be a part of this great fleet. The fleet has seen many different changes over the past 4 and a half years, and luckily we are all still here to talk about it :P. This last month was no different, we experienced some very radical changes, Fleet Admiral West's retirement, my taking things over, the promotion of several individuals, and the restructuring of things. We also saw a few simms  leave. However, I for one can say without hesitance that this fleet has never been stronger, we have a great group of people in this fleet- and as I have said MANY times before we are a family. From the lowest Ensign all the way up to me, we all work together to make this fleet what it is.  I have never been more proud of this fleet than i am this month- this month has shown a great deal of prosperity and change for us- yet at the same time the USS Patriot broke the fleet record for most posts, other ships are on the rise, recruitment is picking up, and overall IDF is growing.

     My one concern, and warning to the members of this fleet- is be careful of over-expanding yourself. All to often i see members who serve on 5-8 ships and yes some of these people are capable of doing that, but be careful. If you over-expand and burn out- simming will lose its enjoyment, and you will slowly but surely stop simming. When you over-expand you help out a great deal of simms right THEN, but in the end you hurt the majority of them. I recommend personally, as a veteran simmer of over 10 years, that you simm on no more than 3 simms. Anymore than this, can burn you out very quickly. Also remember, if you are over-expanded and starting to feel overwhelmed, don't hesitate to say "Hey, I need to stop simming on these ships for now, and cut back." Its better to cut back now, than completely burn out later.  And remember, my door is always open for you to come chat with me, and ask for help if you need it. Our Senior Admiralty is ALWAYS available to help you if you need advise, or otherwise.

     I sincerely look forward to the many years to come here in IDF, and look forward to expanding IDF as recruitment allows. Remember that word of mouth is the BEST advertisement. Tell your friends about it, get them to join, post links on your Xanga, LiveJournal's, websites... this is the best form of advertisement and helps our fleet grow and remain strong.  Most of all, if you have any ideas, or comments- my doors are always open!

     Remember that if you have any ideas, questions, comments, concerns or otherwise wish to chat- you can always reach me at AIM: IDFAdmGriffith YIM: Jeremy_griffith and MSN: jeremiah.griffith@gmail.com  and if I am not available you can always reach Admiral Nara Treniek at AIM: kittihawk9 or YIM lima_jarvas. Our doors are always open, and we are always willing to help in anyway possible- do not be intimidated by the rank or position- we are here to help!

Respectfully and Sincerely,
Fleet Admiral Jeremiah A. Griffith

     =/\= Message from the EFD's=/\=

- ELITE FORCE EXCELSIOR-

     It never fails to surprise me how many times people can post when they are dedicated and engaged in the story.  As many of you know, the USS Patriot has exceeded expectations and shattered records this month with a whopping 531 posts.  As the Force Director for the EF Excelsior, I am honored and proud to have them in my division.  Not only does the Patriot have a dedicated and creative crew, this month's mission was both intriguing and inspiring.  Two of the crewmembers (Lt Barajas and Commander N'gellin) posted more than 100 times in August alone.  Two excellent CO's saw the Patriot through this month:  Commander Savai N'gellin, acting CO, and Commander Lima Jarvas, acting CO.  Congratulations to the crew of the Patriot, and good luck on your future missions. 

     A Thank you to everyone else in my division who has shown remarkable effort this month:  The Avalon, the Dread, and DS 24 also did remarkably.  Thank you.

Rear Admiral Suzanne Karmin

Force Director, EF Excelsior

-ELITE FORCE ANDROMEDA-

      This is Commodore Pearson Ferrin, Force Director for Elite Force Andromeda.

       First, let me say that while there have been major changes in IDF, there has been no drop in quality of work among the simmers and that is Commendable.  I have been and continue to be impressed with the caliber of writing in this fine fleet.  The writing is only surpassed by the Creative abilities of the simmers in IDF.  Story lines, plots and twist that keep me excited and writing are commonplace here.  It is a stellar environment in which to write.

        Each of the Elite forces has its own stars which shine.  Some are brighter than others from time to time and that encourages everyone.  Keep up the good work!

Commodore Ferrin