Due to the ship's modular design, hull components were easily exchangeable with those of other four-nacelled heavy cruisers. In the early 25th century, the design of the Stargazer-class heavy escort allowed its commanding officer to choose from different hull liveries, which could be modified further. ( STO - Klingon War mission: ' Welcome to Earth Spacedock') In the 25th century, the Stargazer-class would be maintained in Starfleet service as a modernized heavy cruiser, generally commanded by an officer with the rank of commander. Stargazer-class starships were well suited to either solo exploration or operating as a member of a fleet. It was one of the first starship designs produced by Starfleet to rebuild its fleet after the Dominion War. One of the few Starfleet vessels to have more than two warp nacelles, the Stargazer-class was named for the famed Constellation-class starship USS Stargazer, which was commanded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the mid- 24th century.
