The USS Rutledge (NCC-57295) was a Federation New Orleans-class Federation starship in service during the 24th century.
In the 2340s, the ship was involved in the Federation-Cardassian War while under the command of Captain Benjamin Maxwell. In 2346, Miles O'Brien transferred to the Rutledge as an enlisted crewman and took the post of tactical officer. After rescuing 13 Starfleet officers from Setlik III in 2347, O'Brien was promoted to the tactical officer aboard the Rutledge. (TNG: "The Wounded"; DS9: "Paradise")
Will Kayden served upon the USS Rutledge, as did Raymond Boone until his capture at Setlik III, when he was replaced by a Cardassian agent. (TNG: "The Wounded"; (DS9: "Tribunal")
In 2373, the USS Rutledge and the USS Tecumseh led the Starfleet counterattack into the Archanis sector during the Second Federation-Klingon War. (DS9: "...Nor the Battle to the Strong")
- Possibly named after John Rutledge or his brother Edward Rutledge, US American politicians of the late 1700s.