We may earn a commission when you buy through links in our articles. Learn more.

Star Trek Picard – USS Titan’s return explained

Star Trek's famous USS Titan, which was formerly captained by William Riker, which has returned for new adventures in Star Trek Picard season 3.

Star Trek Picard USS Titan: Captain Riker

The USS Titan is back for more adventures in Star Trek Picard season 3, so now’s as good a time as any to get a refresher on one of Star Trek’s most famous ships. Despite the fact that it’s never really had the spotlight until now, the USS Titan has always been one of the more popular Starfleet starships since its introduction.

First introduced in the Star Trek movies as Riker shifted from the first officer position to take on his own vessel, the USS Titan has developed its own mythos throughout the Star Trek series as a ship to be taken seriously within its own right. Now, its status continues to grow and it was reintroduced to audiences in Star Trek Picard season 3 episode 1, now under the command of Captain Liam Shaw with Seven of Nine as his first officer.

So, here’s everything we know about the history of the USS Titan under the command of Captain Riker, as well as what we know about the starship now that it’s reappeared in Star Trek Picard season 3.

The USS Titan’s history

The USS Titan is a Luna class Starfleet vessel which entered service in the late 24th century. The USS Titan’s Starfleet service history began when Captain Riker, now promoted from Commander of the USS Enterprise after the events of Nemesis, assumed captaincy of the Star Trek starship. He sanctioned the transfer of his wife, Commander Diana Troi, off the Enterprise and onto the USS Titan with him.

Star Trek: USS Titan explained: USS Titan in Lower Decks

In the aftermath of the events of the science fiction movie, the USS Titan’s first assignment, with Captain Riker aboard, was to lead the delegation who were exploring the possibility of a new, positive relationship with the Romulans. As we see in Star Trek: Picard later on, this mission does not appear to have been entirely successful.

Seen from the animated series Lower Decks, thanks to the captaincy of William Riker, the USS Titan develops a prestigious reputation as one of the best postings in Starfleet. This is especially demonstrated in the Cerritos crew’s reaction to the USS Titan’s intervention, when it helps to free the ship from an assault from three Pakled vessels.

Star Trek Picard USS Titan: USS titan fighting pakleds in Lower Decks

The USS Titan went on to become an important ship in the Pakled conflict, and was involved in multiple battles. In 2381, the ship was stationed away from Starbase 25 specifically to deter the threat of Pakled attack during the command conference.

The ship’s adventures seem to have continued until the 2391, when Captain Riker retired to live on Nepenthe with Deanna Troi and their children.

YouTube Thumbnail

The USS Titan in Star Trek Picard season 3

The story of the USS Titan is now continuing in Star Trek Picard season 3, where it is one of the main ships in the TV series. It underwent a refit to make it suitable for Starfleet missions in the 25th century, and it’s now a Neo-Constitution class vessel, and carries the designation USS Titan-A. Frankly it looks gorgeous.

Star Trek Picard USS Titan

Less gorgeous (at least in terms of personality) is the new Star Trek character Captain Liam Shaw, who is the commander of the ship. He’s a rude and uptight Star Trek captain, though we can’t judge him completely yet.

So far in Star Trek Picard season 3, the adventures of the Titan-A have continued in spectacular fashion as Picard and Riker (with the help of Seven of Nine) have – how shall we say – unofficially taken command of the ship to help them save Beverly Crusher. That’s put them in line for some trouble from Vadic, though, and who knows how that’ll end.

Star Trek Picard USS Titan: Captain Liam Shaw

For more on Star Trek Picard, check out our Star Trek Picard season 3 review, or our guides to Rachel Garrett, the Red Lady, and Star Trek’s Moriarty. To keep on boldly going elsewhere within the franchise, check out our guide to the upcoming Star Trek 4. Alternatively, stay up to date with the Star Trek TV series with our guides to the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 release date, and the Star Trek Discovery season 5 release date.