2252 (Columbia)

Reference Stardates 1/9500-1/9512.31

January

Reference Stardate 1/9501: Captain Robert April retires from Starfleet and becomes a Federation ambassador, though he will later return to Starfleet as a Commodore. Christopher Pike succeeds him as captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701. (TAS 22: "The Counter-Clock Incident"; FASA 2001: Cadet's Orientation Sourcebook)
Reference Stardate 1/9501: The Andorian Battle Star is introduced by the Andorian Planetary Government. It is awarded to commanders of Starfleet vessels who have demonstrated superior tactical abilities in a combat situation. (FASA 2012: Star Trek: The Next Generation Officer's Manual)