In April 2376, the Gryphon, commanded by Captain Elaine Mello, delivered the USS Defiant's replacement warhead module from the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards. (DS9 novel: Abyss) In May, the Gryphon assisted in the evacuation of Europa Nova during the Iconian gateway crisis. (DS9 - Gateways novel: Demons of Air and Darkness) From June, the Gryphon was assigned to Deep Space 9, standing in for the Defiant while that ship was exploring the Gamma Quadrant for three months. (DS9 - Mission Gamma novel: Twilight) The Gryphon soon returned to Deep Space 9. (DS9 novel: Unity)