The Columbia was the first mark II Excelsior-class vessel to be contracted by Starfleet, launched around reference stardate 2/2302 in the 2280s, officially undergoing ship commissioning shakedown trials began shortly after on stardate 2/2400. (FASA RPG module: Federation Starship Recognition Manual) This ship was seen in-game with the given name and registry number clearly written on her hull in a simulated mission from the game's expansion pack, Starfleet Academy: Chekov's Lost Missions.