Summary
With so many contenders for ‘Best Starfleet Security Officer,’ the smart thing to do is to lay out primeStar Trekoptions so that fans can decide for themselves. Fans have received a variety of great security officers over the years.The Original Series, however, rarely gave security a chance to shine. They were either standing dramatically behind Captain Kirk (William Shatner) or getting killed off-screen.
Hikaru Sulu (George Takei) served as chief of security aboard the ISS Enterprise in the iconic mirror universe of season 2, episode 10, “Mirror, Mirror.” Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) landed the same role inThe Motion Picture. Everyone else passed through the ranks with little acclaim or even a name.
Luckily, the security detail has evolved with the franchise, and it’s since given many awesome characters a chance to shine. Fans can no longer imagine any show or movie without a security officer getting their turn in the spotlight, whether on the Enterprise or another ship. Here are a few stand-out characters.
Constable Odo
Deep Space 9
NoStar Trekconversation about the best Starfleet security officer is complete without Constable Odo (René Auberjonois). The grumpy changeling first appears inDeep Space Nineas one of the few personnel to survive the reappropriation of Terok Nor. He first butts heads with Commander Sisko (Avery Brooks) over the best way to run the station. Odo had gotten used to taking the law into his own (admittedly capable) hands with Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo) in charge.
Sisko surprises him by challenging his authority to preemptively apprehend a suspect in season 1, episode 4, “A Man Alone.” While time and love eventually softens some of Odo’s rougher edges, he never loses his talent or his passion for keeping DS9 safe. That usually involves stalking Quark’s Bar and keeping tabs on the shady Ferengi’s (Armin Shimerman) underhanded business deals. His shifting abilities as a changeling allow him to literally be anything, anywhere, and at any time. No wonder Constable “Justice is justice”Odo is so good at his job.
Lt. La’an Noonien-Singh
Strange New Worlds
Star Trek: Strange New Worldshas shown why Lt. La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) is a contender for ‘Best Starfleet Security Officer’ since its series premiere.Captain Pike(Anson Mount) and the Enterprise crewhad just entered the airspace of Kiley 279 when they start detecting strange signals. La’an immediately suggests raising the deflector shields. Science Officer Spock (Ethan Peck) argues against her defensive actions in wariness of inviting a fight where one might not already exist. But the human security chief’s instincts proved correct. Taking quick action saves them from the plasma torpedoes launched only seconds after Pike raises the ship’s shields.
Already,Star Trekfans could see La’an’s keen eye for detecting trouble and her handiness in a tricky situation. Part of this comes from just how dedicated she is to her job. But it also stems from the waypre-Starfleet childhood traumahas honed her survival instincts. In season 2, episode 3, “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow,” viewers see her sparring with Dr. M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) to work off the excess energy of both. La’an isn’t a particularly warm or open person. But fans have had the honor of watching her grow into her position in the crew as a friend and a damned good officer.
Lt. Commander Tuvok
Voyager
If the best Starfleet security officer inStar Trekneeds to be cool under pressure, then look no further thanVoyager’sLt. Commander Tuvok (Tim Russ). Unlike other Vulcans, his calm demeanor isn’t just a product of genetics. He once fell victim to the love frenzy of the Shon-ha’lock. A flashback in season 5, episode 13, “Gravity” revealed that only the direct teachings of a Vulcan master (Joseph Ruskin) saved him from being completely overwhelmed.
Years later, the tools he gained for managing his emotions help him navigate a plethora of chaotic situations on the USS Voyager crew. Tuvok shares a touching moment with Neelix (Ethan Phillips) in season 3, episode 19, “Rise” after kicking butt on his friend’s behalf. It’s one of many moments in which his capability as a security chief shines through. Unlike Ensign Harry Kim (Garrett Wang),Voyagerdoesn’t hesitate to promote Tuvokfor his excellent service.Picardlater sees him promoted to captain, a rare position for a Vulcan Starfleet officer but much-deserved.
Lt. Worf
The Next Generation
Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn) had some peculiar habits that follow him fromStar Trek: The Next Generation. Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg) introduced him to prune juice in season 3, episode 15, “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” and he’s been obsessed ever since. Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) once fixed him a batch of scrambled ‘Owon eggs in season 2, episode 13, “Time Squared.” While the Humans on the crew – including Riker – hated them, Worf couldn’t get enough. He also shares a fondness for pasta al fiorella with Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton).
His unique tastes have left someStar Trekfans wondering ifWorf is a real Klingon. Any concerns about his heritage are immediately laid to rest, though, when one considers his best qualities as a Starfleet security officer. His move toDeep Space Ninehad him working alongside everyone’s favorite curmudgeon. Worf proved to be a formidable ally during the Dominion War as well as when dealing with drunken Klingons. Honestly, anyone who can earn Odo’s respect has to be doing something right.
Who Is the Best?
Determining the best Starfleet security officer isn’t as easy asrankingStar Trekuniforms. So many have left a lasting impression throughout the franchise that it’s hard to just choose one. Worf thought highly of Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby) before the human’s controversial death inThe Next Generation. Barzan Commander Nhan (Rachael Ancheril) wasn’t a constant onDiscovery, but she was just as competent as any of her fellow security officers.
Lt. Malcolm Reed’s (Dominic Keating) ability to get the (mostly human)crew of theEnterpriseout of a tight spot proved crucial to their survival. Bajoran Lt. Shaxs (Fred Tatasciore) and Tamarian Lt. J.G. Kayshon (Carl Tart) more than proved their worth throughoutLower Decks. So, how exactly does one pick who stands out as the best Starfleet security officer? It’s literally impossible. Regardless, trying to choose leads one to thinking about everything that makes theseStar Trekcharacters stand out. Maybe that was the point all along.
