The Pathfinder succeeded an earlier Intrepid-class ship of the same name, the USS Pathfinder, which was destroyed in the year 2373. (TNG - Unlimited - Telepathy War comic: "Heart of Darkness") In 2375, during the latter days of the Dominion War, the Preservers arranged for the young and unseasoned Captain Christine MacDonald to receive command of the new Pathfinder. Originally, MacDonald had been slated to receive command of the Saber-class science vessel USS Endurance six months later. MacDonald recruited most of her senior staff from per previous command, the Oberth-class ship USS Tobias.