Away team
An away team is a team of specialized starship or starbase crewmembers assembled to perform missions on planet surfaces and other starships.
These missions, deemed away missions, may include exploration, first contact, diplomacy, scientific research, or even combat.
These missions are typically launched using a ship's transporter to send the crew to their destination, or by shuttlecraft, such as when use of the transporter is impossible.
22nd century usage
The Earth Star Fleet of the 22nd century used the term "away team", most notably the crew of the Enterprise (NX-01). Later, the term away team was replaced by "landing party."
23rd and 24th century usage
The name fell out of favor in the 23rd century with Federation Star Fleet personnel. Such a team was referred to as a "landing party" or "boarding party".
The term was brought back in the 24th century. In this era, the first officer usually forms and leads the away team. It is standard procedure for the Second Officer to be part of such a team.
Star Fleet regulations prohibit the Captain from joining away missions.
Types of away teams
- Arctic Archaeology Team
- Assault team
- Damage control team
- Engineering team
- Diagnostic team
- Forensic team
- Observer team
- Rescue team
- Security team
- Survey team
