An upgrade of the Excelsior-class, she was the third Federation starship to bear the name Enterprise.

During her maiden voyage under Captain Harriman, the starship received a distress call from two El-Aurian transport vessels caught in a strange, mysterious energy ribbon. Kirk, on board as an honored guest, assisted in the rescue while the Enterprise-B got caught in the Nexus.

Kirk was integral in saving the ship, but as the Enterprise pulls away, the ribbon suddenly strikes the starship, tearing a large gash through the hull.

In its wake, it left only a gaping hole in the bulkhead where Captain Kirk once was.