The USS Stargazer (NCC-2893) was a Constellation-class cruiser in service from the late 23rd to mid-24th century. Jean-Luc Picard, prior to commanding the Enterprise-D, captained the Stargazer for a record 22 years, from 2333 until its loss in the Maxia Zeta system (2355) (TNG: "The Battle"). In 2294, the Stargazer made first contact with the Nurathi. (Ship Recognition Manual, Volume 4: Starships of the Original Series Era) In 2351, fresh out of the Academy, then-ensign Steve Tecklenberg was assigned to the Stargazer as a security officer. (Star Trek: Pendragon: "Wings As Eagles")