In the vast universe of Star Trek, two of its most iconic characters, Captain James T. Kirk (portrayed by William Shatner) and Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart), share a distinct legacy that sets them apart from other captains of the USS Enterprise. Kirk is recognized as the pioneer of the franchise, commanding the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 during the three-season run of Star Trek: The Original Series. Following him, Picard took command for seven seasons in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Together, they graced a total of ten Star Trek feature films and teamed up in the film Star Trek Generations.
The legacy of the USS Enterprise has significantly evolved throughout the timeline of Star Trek. Notably, Star Trek: Enterprise introduced Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) as the initial captain of the Enterprise, set in the 22nd century. Additionally, Captain Rachel Garrett commanded the USS Enterprise-C, as introduced in Star Trek: The Next Generation. On Paramount+, shows like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds feature Kirk’s predecessor, Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), while the third season of Star Trek: Picard concluded with Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) ascending to the command of the USS Enterprise-G.
Over the years, numerous individuals—including a Klingon named Captain Worf (Michael Dorn)—have held the title of Captain of the Enterprise. However, most of these characters led only one incarnation of the Starship Enterprise. Kirk and Picard stand alone as the only captains to command two different versions of the USS Enterprise, and they accomplished this within the scope of the Star Trek film series.
Captain Kirk’s USS Enterprise Replacement in Star Trek IV
Kirk’s Reward: The USS Enterprise-A
At the conclusion of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Captain James T. Kirk was presented with his second starship, the USS Enterprise-A. Previously, in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Admiral Kirk made the brave yet drastic decision to self-destruct the original USS Enterprise NCC-1701 to prevent it from falling into Klingon hands. However, Kirk commandeered the ship in a daring attempt to rescue Spock (Leonard Nimoy) from the perilous Genesis Planet. Thus, the Constitution II Class Enterprise-A was given to Kirk as he resumed his role as Captain, marking a rewarding return after saving Earth from the Whale Probe.
Kirk commanded the USS Enterprise-A in two Star Trek films, both of which were pivotal missions. In Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, the Enterprise-A was the inaugural starship to traverse the Great Barrier in the galaxy. This landmark journey led the crew to the legendary world of Sha Ka Ree, where they encountered a false deity (George Murdock). Similarly, in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, the Enterprise-A played a crucial role in establishing peace between the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire.
Captain Picard’s USS Enterprise Replacement in Star Trek: First Contact
Picard Introduced the Sovereign Class USS Enterprise-E
Captain Jean-Luc Picard received his second ship, the USS Enterprise-E, in Star Trek: First Contact. His previous ship, the Galaxy Class USS Enterprise-D, met its demise in Star Trek Generations when Klingon forces disabled its engines, resulting in a crash landing on Veridian III. The Sovereign Class Enterprise-E, designed as a warship specifically to confront the Borg, demonstrated its capabilities during the events of Star Trek: First Contact.
Star Trek: First Contact premiered on November 22, 1996, marking nearly a decade after Kirk was presented with the USS Enterprise-A in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home on November 26, 1986.
During his tenure, Picard captained the USS Enterprise-E in three major films. After successfully combatting the Borg in the 21st century within First Contact, Picard and the Enterprise-E safeguarded the Ba’ku and a strategically significant area known as the Briar Patch from the Son’a in Star Trek: Insurrection. The battles were not without peril; the USS Enterprise-E faced significant damage while confronting Picard’s malevolent clone, Romulan Praetor Shinzon (Tom Hardy), in Star Trek: Nemesis.
The Fate of Kirk & Picard’s Second Enterprise
Revelations in Star Trek: Picard Season 3
In an intriguing twist, Star Trek: Picard season 3 unveiled the fates of both Captain Kirk’s USS Enterprise-A and Captain Picard’s USS Enterprise-E. The USS Enterprise-A was retired post-Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country in 2293, yet it lingered into the 25th century, ultimately becoming part of the starship collection at the Fleet Museum on Athan Prime, curated by Commodore Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton).
Season 3 also saw the Galaxy Class USS Enterprise-D make a triumphant return, having been restored under Commodore La Forge’s guidance. The ship successfully defended the galaxy against the Borg one final time before being designated a museum piece at the Fleet Museum alongside the Enterprise-A.
The fate of the USS Enterprise-E, however, remains cloaked in mystery. After Jean-Luc Picard’s promotion to Admiral in 2381, Worf assumed command. Unfortunately, the Enterprise-E encountered a series of unknown tribulations, leading to its disappearance, as Worf insisted this outcome was not his doing. Though the USS Enterprise-F was introduced in the storyline before Seven of Nine’s promotion to captain of the USS Enterprise-G, the specifics regarding the USS Enterprise-E remain unsolved.
Kirk and Picard: Divergent Paths After Their Second Enterprises
Diverse Destinies for Two Distinguished Captains
Both Captain Kirk and Captain Picard not only commanded a second Starship Enterprise but also ascended to the ranks of Starfleet Admirals. However, their ultimate fates took strikingly different directions. Tragically, Kirk met his demise shortly after his encounter with Picard in Star Trek Generations. He succumbed to injuries sustained while combating Dr. Tolian Soran (Malcolm McDowell) to avert a catastrophe on Veridian III. Furthermore, Star Trek: Picard season 3 unveiled that Kirk’s remains are stored under the ‘Project Phoenix’ program at the secretive Daystrom Station, suggesting that a future resurrection may be a possibility.
In stark contrast, Admiral Jean-Luc Picard initially resigned from Starfleet in 2285, only to return heroically in 2399 to stave off galactic calamity. He earned the esteemed position of Chancellor of Starfleet Academy, forging alliances and saving the galaxy multiple times, culminating in a united effort with his former crew from the USS Enterprise-D. Moreover, Picard discovered his son, Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers), leading to a newfound family dynamic alongside Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden). Ultimately, both Kirk and Picard left indelible marks in Star Trek history as leaders of their cherished second Starship Enterprises.