In simple ceremonies on the bridge of the Defiant-class USS Sao Paulo, Vice Admiral William J. Ross handed over command of the ship to Captain Benjamin Sisko in 2375 (Stardate 52861.3). Ross issued the orders on authority of the Office of the Admiralty, which “requested and required” Sisko to take command of the vessel. In those same orders, Sisko was given special dispensation by the Chief of Starfleet Operations to change the name of the USS Sao Paulo to the USS Defiant.