Standard Operations

Daily Routines Fighter squadrons, like most other duty stations in the Star Fleet, operate on an around the clock schedule. A schedule of activities is maintained by the Administration Division, and promulgated to the crew in the Plan of the Day (POD), which is accessible from any PADD or ship's console. The POD is updated by the Yeoman of the Watch at the end of each watch. Timekeeping Units of the Star Fleet spend most of their time among the stars, and a fighter squadron is no exception. Timekeeping, therefore, becomes a matter of supreme importance, there being no planetary rotation to use in verifying the time of day. In keeping with the practice of the Star Fleet, the Quartermasters of the Navigation Division maintain chronometers which measure a 24 hour day. Tied to the time kept at the Fleet Observatory in San Francisco, Earth, Pacific Standard Time has been adopted as the standard for measuring time aboard most Star Fleet vessels and stations. The 24 hour clock is also used, to eliminate any possible confusion in establishing the time of an occurrence, past or scheduled. The hours begin at 00:00 (midnight), and count up through 23:59 (the minute before midnight). Watches, Shifts, and Patrols With the exception of the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and Department Heads, all squadron personnel are assigned to a shift section. There are three shift sections, each having an equal portion of personnel from each department or division. Each of these sections takes a turn at being on watch, as designated in the watchbill, and promulgated in the POD. An occasional exception to the three-shift schedule is the flight department. As emergency situations often call for all the fighters of the squadron to be fielded at one time, arrangements are made for this eventuality.

Alert Conditions

Green This is the normal status of the squadron. No dangerous conditions exist within the patrol boundaries of the squadron. Watches and Patrols are stood as assigned by the watchbill and PoD. Yellow A hazardous or potentially hazardous condition exists either within the squadron's patrol area, or within its immediate vicinity. This condition may be set by the CO, XO, or CIC Officer of the Watch. The on-watch shift remains on duty, and prepares for possible danger. Second shift goes on duty, and joins first shift at duty stations. Third shift is awakened, but does not come on duty. Each station reports to CIC when manned and ready. Red Also known as Battle Stations or General Quarters, Red Alert is set when a life threatening condition exists within the squadron's patrol area or its immediate vicinity, or elements of the squadron are in an offensive or defensive situation which has, or may soon result in the use of weapons. May be set by the CO or XO. Third shift goes on duty, and reports to duty stations. All pilots report to their craft, and standby for possible scramble.