The USS Drake was a 24th century Federation starship operated by Starfleet. It was classified as a light cruiser. In 2364, Commander William T. Riker, then-XO of the USS Hood, had been offered command of the Drake, but declined in favor of the USS Enterprise-D. Instead, Paul Rice was given command. Later in 2364, the Drake was sent to Minos on a mission to investigate the disappearance of the Minosians. After the ship reported arriving at the planet, there was no further contact with the Drake. The USS Enterprise-D would investigate the disappearance of the Drake and the Minosians.