**STARFLEET International (SFI)**—officially known as *STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc.*—is the world’s largest and oldest continuously operating Star Trek fan organization. Founded in 1974, it splits its global membership into 20 distinct geographical areas called “Regions.” *Region 3* is one of the most prominent divisions within the organization, operating both as a localized community for fans and as an in-universe fleet.
Geographic Territory & Identity Region 3 is responsible for managing SFI operations and chapters across two major southern U.S. states: * *Texas* * *Louisiana* In keeping with the organization’s military-style sci-fi roleplay framework, Region 3 is affectionately nicknamed the *”Third Fleet”* within the SFI universe.
Regional Structure & Leadership The region is structured similarly to the fictional Starfleet Command: *
The Regional Coordinator (RC):* The region is headed by an elected or appointed Regional Coordinator. RCs act as the administrative directors for their territory and collectively sit on SFI’s international Board of Directors (The Admiralty Board). *
The Chain of Command:* Within Region 3, local chapters are organized as individual “starships” or “space stations.” Each local vessel is led by a *Commanding Officer (CO)* and a *First Officer (XO)*. * *Ranks and Promotions:* Members earn fictional ranks (from Cadet/Ensign up to Captain and Admiral) based on their real-world participation, community service, and involvement in the club.
Active Chapters (Vessels of the Third Fleet) Chapters in Region 3 range from large, in-person social groups to “correspondence chapters” where members interact primarily online. Some of the notable active starships and stations registered under Region 3:
*USS Amelia Earhart* | NCC-50005 | Fort Worth, TX | |
*USS Arcadia* | NCC-86537 | Arlington, TX | |
*USS Battle Born* | NCC-69607 | San Antonio, TX | |
*USS Bexar* | NCC-71718 | San Antonio, TX | |
*USS Comanche* | NCC-1799 | Decatur, TX | |
*USS Corsair* | NCC-26556 | Baton Rouge, LA | |
*USS Crockett* | NCC-21040 | San Antonio, TX | |
*USS Diamondback* | NCC-74224 | Merkel, TX | |
*USS Endurance* | NCC-75010 | Beaumont, TX | |
*USS Joan of Arc* | NCC-73289 | Corpus Christi, TX | |
*ISS Kidd* | NCC-4321 | Louisiana/Texas |
⚜️ **Fun Fact:** The *USS Corsair* based out of Baton Rouge uses the official chapter motto *”Boldly Geauxing,”* putting a distinctly Louisiana spin on Star Trek’s most famous catchphrase
Activities and Operations What exactly do members of Region 3 do?
SFI blends fictional roleplay with real-world community development:
* *Charity and Public Service:* Following Gene Roddenberry’s optimistic vision for humanity, Region 3 chapters focus heavily on charity. Local “crews” host fundraising events, coordinate food drives, and participate in community clean-ups.
* *The STARFLEET Academy:* Region 3 members have full access to SFI’s online “Academy,” a massive library of free, trivia-based and real-world educational courses. Completing courses allows members to earn certifications and qualify for higher fictional ranks or specialized auxiliary roles (like the STARFLEET Marine Corps or Medical branch).
* *Away Missions:* Chapters regularly meet for “away missions,” which include attending local sci-fi conventions, organizing watch parties for new Star Trek series, and hosting social dinners.