Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to speak to you today about the Paladin.
Paladin - A paragon of chivalry; a heroic champion.
"In medieval times the Paladin were the holy warriors who dedicated their lives towards protecting the innocent."
The USS Paladin and her crew embodied all of these.
The Uss Paladin has served many a great purpose. Her most important purpose, She was home to us all. It is with great sorrow that I announce her decommissioning. Her battles are long over. Let us not forget that She was a ship that fought long, and hard to ensure the survival of the Fleet, and the Federation.
She was a vessel called back before her time, a tragic victim. But, as with any tragedy, there is the hope of joy. Ladies and gentlemen, I say to you, there shall be another ship which will bear the name "Paladin".
So let us raise our glasses, and say, "Until we meet again, old friend."