In 2267, when war between the Federation and the Klingons was averted, the vessel was commanded by Captain Kang. (TOS comic: "Four Thousand Throats...") In 2268, the vessel was heavily damaged by (*), killing most of the crew. The survivors were forced to abandon the ship, and were beamed on board the USS Enterprise. The Klingon ship was so severely damaged that it was a hazard to the area, and Captain James T. Kirk ordered its destruction. (TOS episode: "Day of the Dove"; TOS comic: "Blood Reign O'er Me"; ST novel: Excelsior: Forged in Fire; DS9 novel: The Fall of Terok Nor)