How is a FAC vessel different from a regular starship?
A. A FAC vessel has a Fleet Action Coordination Center (FACC) designed to provide Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) services for a Battle Group or Fleet. When activated, an Admiral in charge of the Battle Group comes aboard along with his/her staff to man the FACC. The FAC vessel then becomes the flagship for the Battle Group or Fleet. In addition, a FAC vessel has a SMIDGEN (Ship’s Modular Intelligence Data Gathering and Evaluation Network), which is a large, state-of-the-art intelligence center designed to obtain and evaluate information gathered in several different ways. The 3rd Special Operations Group (King Cobras), composed of Starfleet Marines flying reconnaissance craft, attack fighters, and assault craft is also attached to the PHOENIX.