Why is USS PHOENIX designed to be a warship? Isn’t there peace in the Federation?
A. Even though the level of tension throughout the Federation is lower than it has been in a long time, the Romulans, the Klingons, the Jizzarques, the Orions, and other civilizations, which may not be completely friendly to the United Federation of Planets, still exist. It is always possible that something may happen. If it does, Starfleet must be ready to react accordingly. Remember the old clich: the best defense is a good offense.
