Support Operations
Dwarfing even the Star Fleet Operations component, Support Operations comprises almost everything Star Fleet considers a non-ship asset: starbases, shore facilities, engineering, construction, etc., but also including transport and freight ships. While not presenting the frontline of Star Fleet like Starship Operations does, or operating in the shadows like Star Fleet Intelligence, Support Operations is most likely the most visible component of Star Fleet to the average citizen of the UFP, as it is the space stations over their planets they see on a regular basic, the transports plying the same spacelanes as the commercial freighters, the medical ships that show up on the newsbands.
The Chief of Support Operations is an Admiral, while the Deputy Chief of Support Operations is a Vice Admiral.
The Chief of Support Operations is a PC and handles the budget decisions for his component. He also handles the responsibilities of Starbase Operations, Star Fleet Communications and Star Fleet Security.
The Deputy Chief of Support Operations is a named NPC.
Follow the Echelon III links for further details of those agencies.