Boldly Going Through Time and Space: The Captains Who Commanded the Starship Enterprise

The USS Enterprise Captains across the Star Trek franchise, including movies, series, comics, and books, are listed below. Since its inception in 1966, the Starship Enterprise has been the centerpiece of the beloved sci-fi franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. Undoubtedly, the most renowned Captains of the Enterprise are James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), who appeared together in the 1994 film Star Trek Generations. However, Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is rapidly proving his own greatness.

Aside from the Enterprise, Star Trek has ventured into successful spinoffs featuring different starships like Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Discovery, as well as the space station-based series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Yet, for many fans, true Star Trek is synonymous with the Enterprise. Those who have commanded the vessel stand among the greatest heroes in Star Trek, understanding the profound impact they can have from that iconic chair. The achievements of all USS Enterprise Captains, spanning TV shows, movies, and alternate realities, are celebrated here.

The 22nd Century - USS Enterprise NX-01

The 23rd Century - USS Enterprise NX-0002

: Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) helmed Star Trek: Enterprise's eponymous starship, which paved the way as the first United Earth vessel capable of achieving Warp 5 velocities. Leading the charge during its transformative missions, Captain Archer forged crucial alliances that ultimately laid the groundwork for the formation of Star Trek's United Federation of Planets. In the year 2161, Archer presided over this pivotal organization, solidifying his place as one of the most influential commanders in the history of the USS Enterprise.

A respected figure within the Federation Starfleet, Admiral and instructor Charles Rasmussen played a significant role in Starfleet Academy. Leading the renowned Constitution-class vessel NX-0002, Rasmussen displayed unwavering dedication as he courageously gave his life to protect his crew. This unforgettable event unfolds in the captivating "Shakedown" issue of the Star Trek: The Original Series comics.

The 23rd Century - USS Enterprise NCC-1701

Captain/Admiral Robert April - Voiced by James Doohan, Captain April made his first appearance in Star Trek: The Animated Series. He served as the inaugural Captain of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701, a deep space heavy cruiser of the Constitution-class, when it launched in 2245. His First Officer during the starship's initial five-year mission was Christopher Pike. Admiral April, portrayed by Adrian Holmes, is a recurring character in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Captain/Fleet Captain Christopher Pike - Leading a new five-year exploration mission in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Captain Pike assumes command of the Enterprise. His crew includes renowned figures like Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck) and Number One (Rebecca Romijn). In the future, Fleet Captain Pike will endure a devastating accident that confines him to a wheelchair. Jeffrey Hunter portrayed Pike, while Leonard Nimoy and Majel Barrett played Spock and Number One, respectively, in the original Star Trek pilot, "The Cage."

Vice Admiral/Captain Katrina Cornwell (Jayne Brook) briefly assumed temporary command of the USS Enterprise in 2258 as part of efforts to prevent it from entering the war with the Klingons. In a crucial battle near Xahea, Cornwell made the ultimate sacrifice by giving her life to save the ship from an undetonated photon torpedo. Prior to this, in 2257, Cornwell also took temporary command of the USS Discovery.

Captain/Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner) is widely regarded as the most legendary captain of the Enterprise in the 23rd century. His five-year mission was portrayed in the original Star Trek series, with Spock (Leonard Nimoy) serving as both First Officer and Science Officer. The Enterprise, under Kirk's leadership, undertook numerous significant missions that led to his promotion to Admiral upon completion of his voyages. Captain James T. Kirk continues to be referenced in various animated series, including Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Prodigy, extending his influence beyond the main series and movies in the Star Trek universe.

Captain Zarlo is a character in the Star Trek comic book series. In one particular storyline, Kirk is given a secret mission to go against the Klingons on the planet of Mobita. As a result, Captain Zarlo is appointed to take over as the new Captain of the Enterprise.

Captain Willard Decker, portrayed by Stephen Collins, features in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Initially, Decker holds the position of Captain on the retrofitted Starship Enterprise. However, Admiral Kirk decides to demote him to First Officer and assumes command of the mission to intercept V'Ger. Towards the conclusion of the film, Decker becomes one with V'Ger and is thereafter classified as "missing in action".

In 2285, Captain Spock (Leonard Nimoy) received a promotion and took command of the Enterprise, primarily functioning as a training vessel. However, in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Admiral Kirk once again assumed control after Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalban) stole the Genesis Device, resulting in Spock's unfortunate demise.

Captain Lawrence H. Styles (James B. Sikking), aptly named for his arrogant nature, served as the captain of the experimental USS Excelsior. The Excelsior attempted to pursue the Enterprise but failed, leading to its theft and utilization in Kirk's mission to bring Spock back to life. In the Star Trek novel "Prime Directive," Styles temporarily assumed command over the Enterprise during its restoration after sustaining significant damage. Styles shares a similar attitude to Kirk, which explains their mutual dislike and the unique dynamic between them.

The 23rd Century - USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A

Captain James T. Kirk successfully stole the Enterprise in order to bring back Spock and later played a vital role in saving Earth from an interstellar device that sought to establish contact with humpback whales. As a consequence, Admiral Kirk's rank was reduced to Captain and he was granted the command of the new USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A. Kirk's leadership of the Enterprise-A in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country involved encounters with a supreme being and significant involvement in establishing peaceful relations with the Klingon Empire, before the USS Enterprise-A was ultimately retired from service.

The 23rd Century - USS Enterprise NCC-1701-B

Captain John Harriman, portrayed by Alan Ruck, assumed command of the Excelsior-class USS Enterprise-B in 2293. The ship's shakedown cruise gained notoriety as it unexpectedly came face-to-face with the enigmatic Nexus, leading to the tragic demise of Captain Kirk, as portrayed in the prologue of Star Trek Generations.

The 24th Century - USS Enterprise NCC-1701-C

Captain Rachel Garrett (played by Tricia O'Neill) commanded the USS Enterprise-C, an Ambassador-class starship. This particular ship only appeared once in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation called "Yesterday's Enterprise". Its purpose was to defend a Klingon outpost from a Romulan attack at Narendra III, where it was intended to be destroyed. However, an unexpected event occurred when the Enterprise-C was caught in a time vortex, resulting in a timeline alteration. Unfortunately, Captain Garrett met her demise before the Enterprise-C had the chance to return to its correct time period and restore the timeline to its original state.

The 24th Century - USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D

Commanded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), the Galaxy-class USS Enterprise-D of Star Trek: The Next Generation served as the esteemed flagship of the United Federation of Planets. Its extensive range of missions, helmed by Captain Picard, involved numerous initial encounters with unexplored species, diplomatic negotiations, military operations, and scientific research endeavors. Although the Enterprise-D met its demise on Veridian III in Star Trek Generations, it was resurrected and played a crucial role in saving the galaxy one final time in season 3 of Star Trek: Picard.

In TNG's "The Best of Both Worlds" two-parter, Captain Picard was taken captive by the Borg and transformed into Locutus. During this time, Commander William Riker assumed the role of Acting Captain of the Enterprise-D. Riker successfully orchestrated the rescue of Picard and the defeat of the Borg, allowing Picard to resume his position as Captain of the Enterprise.

Captain Edward Jellico, on the other hand, is often regarded as one of the most disliked Captains of the Enterprise. He was assigned to lead the Federation flagship when Picard embarked on a classified mission and subsequently got captured and tortured by the Cardassians in the "Chain of Command" two-parter. Jellico's leadership style alienated the crew and led to clashes with Riker. Eventually, when Picard was rescued, Jellico relinquished control of the Enterprise-D and returned it to Picard.

The 24th Century - USS Enterprise NCC-1701-E

Captain Jean-Luc Picard commanded the highly advanced USS Enterprise-E, a Sovereign-class starship that served as the Federation's flagship. This prestigious vessel played a significant role in three Star Trek: The Next Generation movies, where Captain Picard and his crew successfully confronted formidable adversaries such as the Borg, the Son'a, and the Remans (led by Picard's clone, Shinzon, portrayed by Tom Hardy).

Following Captain Picard's promotion to Admiral, he transferred from the USS Enterprise-E to lead a critical Federation mission to save the Romulans from their dying sun. In his absence, Captain Worf (played by Michael Dorn) took command of the Enterprise. Unfortunately, the ship mysteriously disappeared, leaving Worf to assert that he was not to blame for its vanishing in Star Trek: Picard season 3.

The 25th Century - USS Enterprise NCC-1701-F

Admiral Elizabeth Shelby (played by Elizabeth Dennehy) helmed the USS Enterprise-F, an Odyssey-class starship, which only appeared once in Star Trek: Picard season 3. The Enterprise-F, under Shelby's command, was originally meant to lead Starfleet's Frontier Day festivities before being decommissioned. Tragically, during this event, the Borg assimilated the Enterprise-F and the entire Starfleet fleet present, resulting in Shelby's presumed demise at the end of Star Trek: Picard season 3.

The 25th Century - USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D

Commodore Geordi La Forge (played by LeVar Burton) had a vital role in Star Trek: Picard season 3. In this season, he oversaw the esteemed Fleet Museum located on Athan Prime. Working in utmost secrecy, Geordi invested significant effort into the meticulous restoration of the revered USS Enterprise-D. The moment of revelation arrived during Frontier Day, when Geordi surprised Admiral Picard and the rest of the Enterprise-D crew as they embarked on a mission to safeguard the entire galaxy. As Picard beamed onto the Borg Cube to save his son Jack Crusher (portrayed by Ed Speleers), Geordi took on the responsibilities of Acting Captain aboard the Enterprise-D. Leading the relentless assault against the menacing Borg Cube, La Forge skillfully orchestrated the successful rescue of Picard and his companions, finally putting an end to the menacing threat posed by the Borg.

The 25th Century - USS Enterprise NCC-1701-G

Captain Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) - In the conclusion of Star Trek: Picard season 3, the Constitution III-class USS Titan-A was renamed the USS Enterprise-G. Captain Seven of Nine assumed command of the Enterprise, with Commander Raffi Musiker (Michelle Hurd) serving as her First Officer and Ensign Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers) appointed as Special Counselor to the Captain. Notably, Seven's appointment marks a significant milestone as the first LGBTQI Captain of the Enterprise.

Star Trek Alternate Reality Enterprise Captains

The 22nd Century Mirror Universe - ISS Enterprise NX-01

Captain Maximilian Forrest (Vaughn Armstrong) commanded the NX-01 ISS Enterprise in the Mirror Universe. In the two-part episode "In a Mirror, Darkly" of Star Trek: Enterprise, Captain Forrest engaged in a power struggle with Commander Jonathan Archer for control of the Enterprise. Sadly, he was ultimately killed by Tholians. However, this allowed Archer to take command of the USS Defiant, a 23rd-century Constitution-class starship from the Prime Universe.

23rd Century United Earth Fleet Timeline - USS Enterprise NCC-1701

The 23rd Century Mirror Universe - ISS Enterprise NCC-1701

In an alternate reality shaped by Romulan interference in Earth's 21st-century history, Captain James T. Kirk, portrayed by Paul Wesley, served as the commanding officer of the USS Enterprise, a starship belonging to the United Earth Fleet. This fleet found itself entangled in a never-ending conflict against the Romulans, a war that humanity seemed to be losing. In an attempt to rectify the situation and restore the proper Prime Timeline of Star Trek, Kirk, accompanied by Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh (played by Christina Chong), embarked on a journey back to 21st-century Toronto. Tragically, during their mission, Captain Kirk was fatally shot by a Romulan time traveler named Sera (portrayed by Adelaide Kane) in "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow," the third episode of season 2 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Captain Christopher Pike, the original captain of the ISS Enterprise, was assassinated by James T. Kirk before the events depicted in the Star Trek: The Original Series season 2 episode "Mirror, Mirror."

Captain James T. Kirk - Following Pike's unfortunate demise, Captain Kirk cunningly utilized the Tantalus Field, a remarkable device enabling him to eliminate adversaries from a distance, thereby maintaining his unwavering authority over the Enterprise. For a brief period, his parallel universe counterpart was swapped with him, masquerading as Mirror Kirk until the eventual restoration of their respective realities.

Captain Spock - Upon the Mirror Kirk's reintegration into the ISS Enterprise, Spock swiftly assumed command, acquiring the Tantalus Field along with Kirk's accomplice and paramour, Marlena Moreau (portrayed by Barbara Luna).

"All Good Things..." Timeline - USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D

Admiral William T. Riker - As showcased in TNG's series finale, "All Good Things...", Riker's personal flagship in the future reality was the refurbished Enterprise-D. This remarkable starship, equipped with a third nacelle enabling it to achieve Warp 13, symbolized Riker's influential presence as an admiral.

26th Century - USS Enterprise NCC-1701-J

In the Star Trek: Enterprise episode "Azati Prime", Captain Archer finds himself transported to a potential 26th-century timeline. In this alternate reality, Captain Dax commands the Universe-class U.S.S. Enterprise-J. Captain Dax is a Trill, known for hosting the Dax symbiote that was previously linked with Jadzia (Terry Farrell) and Ezri (Nicole de Boer) from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

J.J. Abrams Star Trek Kelvin Timeline - USS Enterprise NCC-1701

Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood) - In the alternate timeline created by J.J. Abrams' 2009 reboot of Star Trek, Christopher Pike served as the Captain of the Federation flagship Enterprise. It was under his command that Starfleet mobilized to rescue Vulcan from Nero, a Romulan antagonist who traveled through time.

Acting Captain Spock (Zachary Quinto) - When Pike was captured by Nero, the First Officer Spock assumed the role of Acting Captain. However, this decision faced opposition from cadet James T. Kirk, who later took charge of the Enterprise as Acting Captain. Kirk's leadership ultimately resulted in the defeat of Nero.

Kelvin Timeline - U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-A

- Captain James T. Kirk, portrayed by Chris Pine, was rewarded for his heroic act of rescuing Earth from Nero. Consequently, he was bestowed with the coveted rank of Captain and entrusted with the command of the starship Enterprise. Kirk retained his role as Captain in Star Trek Into Darkness and subsequently embarked on an extensive five-year expedition to explore uncharted territories.

Captain James T. Kirk's eventful journey during the Enterprise's five-year mission took an unexpected turn when the notorious Krall (Idris Elba) caused the complete destruction of their beloved starship. It was only through Kirk's heroic efforts that the massive Starbase USS Yorktown was saved from Krall's clutches. As a recognition of his fearless leadership, Kirk was granted command of the magnificent newly-constructed Constitution-class USS Enterprise-A in the compelling finale of Star Trek Beyond.