Lieutenant Michael West [[Protected NPC]]

Name: Michael West
Position: Commander: Air Group
Rank: Lieutenant
Gender: Male
Species: Human
Age: 31

Physical Appearance
Height: 186cm
Weight: 70kg
Hair Color: Dark Blonde
Eye Color: Grey
Physical Description: Mike has the light build common to experienced pilots. His face is set with worry lines, and he tends towards intensity and frowns. His eyes are slate grey, and his hair is worn short, though not quite buzzcut.

Family
Spouse: Kate (dec.)

Personality & Traits
General Overview: While he is the first to admit that he's not the life of the party, Mike considers himself relatively easy to get along with, though in the past year that claim has been tested. The death of his wife seems to have prematurely aged him, and he now tends towards intensity and a grim focus on the mission - whether that mission is a fighter operation or a trip to the beach.

Strengths & Weaknesses: Mike is an incredibly proficient pilot and a natural leader. He is however possessed of a short temper.

Personal History: Born on Earth, Mike enlisted on Starfleet straight out of college and set new records during his time at the academy. His natural aptitude towards small craft piloting was quickly discovered and the budding pilot was moved to Starfleet's pilot training facility on Mars following graduation.

After qualifying, Mike joined Gemini Squadron, based aboard the USS Discovery, and toured with the ship for five years. While aboard, he met, fell in love with and married Kate Parkes, a civilian scientist aboard the ship on a research assignment. Though their careers frequently separated them, Mike and Kate had a strong marriage. Mike later transferred to the USS Monaco, stationed in the Sol System, and took the reigns as leader of Eagle Squadron.

In early 2386, Kate was the victim of a transporter accident while leaving the couple's Chicago apartment. Devastated, Mike almost left Starfleet altogether before being counseled to take a sabbatical. Eight months later, with the raw edge of his grief sated, Mike has returned to active duty aboard the USS Normandie.

While other officers have accepted promotions and moved upwards and unto larger command roles, Mike has to date turned down two promotions, preferring to remain in command of a squadron and keep flying.

Service Record
2377: Pilot, Gemini Squadron
2380: Promoted to Executive Officer, Gemini Squadron
2382: Promoted to Lieutenant. Transferred to USS Monaco and given command of Eagle Squadron.
2386: Commenced bereavement leave.
2386: Returned from leave. Assigned command of Juno Squadron.