This Danube-class runabout was assigned to DS9 in 2370, as a replacement for the lost Yangtze Ziang.

During its tenure, the Orinoco had its warp core sabotaged by the True Way, and it exploded some two years later, barely within transporter range of DS9, upon returning from a conference with Sisko, Dax, Kira, Worf and O'Brien aboard. It was replaced by the Yukon.

The Orinoco sustained major damage to its navigational array during the Bryma encounter with the Maquis, but was retrieved and repaired in a few days. Kira and Doctor Bashir piloted the runabout, armed with extra photon torpedo banks, and accompanied the Mekong and U.S.S. Odyssey to face the Jem'Hadar.