The ship was commanded by Clarissa Glenn and staffed by advanced holograms. The Galen was fitted with a quantum slipstream drive and assigned to Project Full Circle, a Starfleet expeditionary force sent to explore the Delta Quadrant. (VOY novel: Full Circle) The USS Galen appeared to be a cross between a Nova- and a Miranda-class starship. The main section had six decks. It was constructed in a wide triangular shape and the nacelles were mounted on short pylons extending directly from the drive section. (VOY novel: Unworthy)