USS Animus • Chapter History

VALIANT CLASS  •  NCC-74293  •  11TH FLEET  •  STARFLEET INTERNATIONAL
Organisation STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc — Region 11
Mothership USS Typhon (ex-Tydirium) NCC-74930 — Admiral Greg Mortensen commanding
20 January 2020 – 26 June 2020
Shuttle Launch Date 1 September 2016
Chapter Commissioning 26 June 2020
Chapter Address Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Commanding Officer Captain Ross Manuel (1 September 2016 – present)
Executive Officer Commander Jasmin Manuel (1 September 2016 – 20 November 2019)
Commander Peter Hough (20 November 2019 – present)
USS Animus Commissioning Crew
Current History
2016
September
On 1 September, Shuttle Animus was launched in Region 11 of STARFLEET. The chapter's mothership was USS Tydirium. Shuttle Commander was Ross Manuel and Shuttle Executive Officer was Jasmin Jesenkovic. The other founding member was Keil Solace*. Emma Johnston and Peter Hough joined as Auxiliary Members.

Ross Manuel, Jasmin Jesenkovic, and Emma Johnston attended OZ Comic-Con Sydney with USS Tydirium.
2017
March
On 19 March, Shuttle Animus attended its first official event at Goulburn Comic Con, participating in the Great Debate: Star Trek vs Star Wars alongside Southern Cross Garrison (501st Legion) and Black Tower Squad. Rear Admiral Mortensen and Captain Prudence Hill attended in support. Despite a strong argument, the 501st won by popular vote.
November
Lieutenant Commander Ross Manuel and Lieutenant Jasmin Jesenkovic were married in Bowral on 17 November. Auxiliary Members Emma Johnston and Peter Hough were members of the bridal party, alongside USS Tydirium Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Mortensen and Shuttle Damascus Commanding Officer Lieutenant Chris Barre.
2018
At some point during this year, Keil Solace departed the crew of Shuttle Animus.
February
On 3 February, Shuttle Animus attended RTX Sydney alongside Lieutenant Chris Barre of Shuttle Damascus.
Peter Hough joined STARFLEET and was assigned to Shuttle Animus.
March
On 18 March, Shuttle Animus attended GammaCon Wagga — the first interstate convention under the Animus banner and the first convention attended solely by Animus members. Following GammaCon Wagga, members attended a screening of The Death of Stalin at Forum 6 Cinema Wagga.
June
One crewmember* joined STARFLEET, bringing the crew complement to four STARFLEET members and one Auxiliary member.
August
On 4 August, Shuttle Animus attended GammaCon Canberra, though the chapter did not host a booth.
On 11 August, members attended a performance of The Book of Mormon at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, followed by dinner with the command crew of USS Tydirium.
October
Two crewmembers* joined STARFLEET, bringing the crew complement to six STARFLEET members and one Auxiliary member.
2019
April
On 16 April, Shuttle Animus attended Goulburn Comic Con. The event marked the first appearance of the chapter's display wall backdrop. Command Staff of USS Tydirium attended in support.
May
Emma Johnston joined STARFLEET and was assigned to Shuttle Animus. Ross Manuel promoted to Commander, Jasmin Manuel promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Conversation commenced with Tydirium Command regarding Animus becoming a full Chapter.
June
On 29 June, members attended a screening of What We Left Behind at Hoyts Belconnen.
Regional Conference: Shuttle Animus awarded Shuttle of the Year. Ross Manuel awarded Officer of the Year.
July
Senior Officers commenced the First Build Day to construct a Command Chair for the upcoming GammaCon event. Kiel Solace rejoined the crew of Animus.
August
On 4 August, Shuttle Animus attended GammaCon 2019 at Exhibition Park in Canberra. Command Crew of Tydirium and 2IC of Shuttle Firehawk attended. David Slaney, Ethan Weatherby-Fell and three crewmembers* joined Shuttle Animus.
September
On 8 September, members attended an away mission event at Riddle Room Canberra.
On 15 September, Animus Command Staff attended their Baby Shower hosted by USS Tydirium, where Tydirium Command was informed of the proposal that Peter Hough would assume the post of Executive Officer and Jasmin Manuel would assume Second Officer due to pregnancy.
October
Laika Marshall joined Shuttle Animus plus three additional members.
November
On 4 November, Shuttle Animus conducted a crew meeting at FilmPlus, Watson ACT to issue awards and discuss the future as a potential Chapter. Peter Hough assumed the duties of Executive Officer and Jasmin Manuel assumed Second Officer.
December
On 22 December, members gathered for the annual Christmas Party at the Commanding Officer's quarters.
The Animus commenced the Travelling Trekkies Initiative — a postcard movement connecting STARFLEET chapters globally, sending Lieutenant Commanders AnnaZey thas-Nan and MistHrey ses-Var across the globe.
2020
January
On 21 January, Shuttle Animus commenced Accelerated Shakedown as NUSHIP Animus NX-74293. Peter Hough promoted to Lieutenant Commander. USS Tydirium appointed Support Ship during Shakedown.
On 26 January, members gathered in Goulburn for a Star Trek: Picard watch party and commissioning celebration. Ben Hough joined alongside one crewmember*.
February
On 22 February, NUSHIP Animus attended the Canberra Multicultural Festival at Canberra Civic Centre.
On 23 February, members held a shakedown celebration at Guild Pizzeria. One crewmember* joined during February.
March
NOTE: COVID-19 Pandemic in effect during this period but would not affect Animus Patrol Area until August 2021.
Cadet Manuel* and Merlin Missingham* joined the crew of NUSHIP Animus.
June
On 6 June, members attended the re-opening of the Rocky Hill War Memorial in Goulburn following easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
On 8 June, Command Staff and Ben Hough participated in an in-person D&D Campaign — the first since easing of restrictions.
On 21 June, members participated in the #passthebadgechallenge to bridge community during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
On 26 June, NUSHIP Animus completed Shakedown and was commissioned into STARFLEET as USS Animus NCC-74293.
July
On 13 July, USS Animus held its official commissioning party in Goulburn, NSW.
October
On 2 October, members attended Conflux 16 — Visions of Time — at the Rex Hotel Canberra.
December
On 19 December, members gathered for the annual Christmas Party and Annual General Meeting at Mount Stromlo Observatory.
2021
May
On 16 May, Shuttle Animus attended the Canberra Geek Markets at Exhibition Park. One crewmember* joined during May.
August
NOTE: Canberra entered Lockdown due to COVID-19 and remained in effect until November.
October
On 14 October, Shuttle Animus participated in an interview on ABC Canberra Breakfast Radio.
December
On 23 December, members gathered at Mookie Burger for a shakedown anniversary celebration.
2022
March
On 5 March, members attended the Waratahs vs Brumbies match at GIO Stadium Canberra — the first sporting event in Australia.
April
Cadet Manuel2* joined USS Animus.
July
On 24 July, USS Animus attended Gamma.Con 2022 at the National Convention Centre Canberra — the first convention since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Owen Kirk joined USS Animus alongside one crewmember*.
August
On 23 August, USS Animus attended OZ Comic-Con Canberra at the National Convention Centre. One crewmember* joined during August.
2023
In February 2023, the Australian Government ended COVID-19 restrictions.
March
On 19 March, USS Animus attended Goulburn Comic Con at the Veolia Arena — the last Goulburn Comic Con.
April
On 22 April, members participated in an away mission event at Riddle Room Canberra. Ian Windolf and Aidan Windolf joined USS Animus.
May
On 21 May, USS Animus attended Gamma Con Wollongong alongside USS Tydirium at the University of Wollongong Hall.
June
One crewmember* joined USS Animus during June.
July
On 24 July, members attended Gamma Expo Wagga at the Wagga Wagga Showgrounds.
August
On 6 August, USS Animus attended Oz Comic Con Canberra at Exhibition Park. Terry Scott joined USS Animus during August.
September
On 10 September, USS Animus attended Gamma.Con 2023 at Thoroughbred Park Canberra.
October
On 1 October, members gathered for a Dining In Night at the Southern Cross Club.
December
On 9 December, USS Animus attended the Geek Markets Christmas Edition at the Old Bus Depot Markets.
2024
January
Three members joined USS Animus during January.
March
On 15 March, USS Animus attended Geek Markets Goulburn at the Veolia Arena, Goulburn.
May
On 4 May, members attended a screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan at Dendy Cinemas Canberra.
June
On 30 June, members gathered in Palmerston, ACT for a chapter build day.
July
On 20 July, members attended a Star Trek trivia night at Reload Bar and Games Canberra — Animus came second.
On 27 July, USS Animus attended Gamma Expo at Thoroughbred Park Canberra.
August
On 25 August, USS Animus attended Oz Comic Con Canberra at Exhibition Park.
December
On 1 December, USS Animus attended Geek Markets at Exhibition Park in Canberra.
2025
January
On 18 January, members gathered for a Dining In Night at the Hellenic Club Woden.
On 27 January, USS Animus held a release party for Star Trek: Section 31 in Palmerston, ACT.
April
On 27 April, USS Animus attended Geek Expo at the Veolia Arena, Goulburn.
August
On 10 August, USS Animus attended Oz Comic Con Canberra at Exhibition Park.
September
On 7 September, USS Animus attended Gamma Expo at Thoroughbred Park Canberra — the last Gamma Expo.
November
On 23 November, USS Animus attended the Geek Markets Christmas Edition at Exhibition Park in Canberra.
* Indicates members whose names are recorded using pseudonyms at their request, or whose records have been partially redacted in accordance with privacy preferences and STARFLEET privacy policy. Historical records may be amended should those members request attribution in the future.