Saratoga

The Saratoga was a UNSC Frigate stationed on Reach during the Fall of Reach. It was one of the last ships of its class to be produced. After being recalled back to Reach for a weapons upgrade, the ship was scrambled and sent out to aid UNSC ground forces in their attack on the Covenant Spires. Providing covering fire alongside the Grafton, the Saratoga bombarded the Covenant forces from above and deployed Longswords to destroy three Scarabs.

After the destruction of the first Spire, the Long Night of Solace de-cloaked above the field and blasted the Grafton to pieces. After narrowly avoiding the Supercarrier and escaping, the Saratoga then rushed to the aid of the city of New Alexandria, fighting off Corvettes long enough to aid in the civilian evacuation. After picking up the few civilian transports that were able to leave the city (thanks to the efforts of Noble Six) the Saratoga was given clearance to flee the planet.

After arriving at Earth, the Saratoga was immidietly sent to ground to disembark civilians and tell of the attack on Reach. Although it left before the battle was over, the Saratoga's reports showed the UNSC that Reach was lost and fortifications of Earth began. After being temporarily decommissioned, the Saratoga was left docked in one of the Orbital Defence Stations before it was deployed again to combat Regret's Fleet months later. After a massive battle above Earth the Saratoga was destroyed by the Solemn Penance itself, gutted by its main energy projector. The Solemn Penance then proceeded to blast its way through the debris field of Athens and Malta Stations and head straight for Earth.