Star Trek: How EVERY Captain Became Captain

Kathryn Janeway would become one of Starfleet's most decorated officers on her return from the Delta Quadrant. She was born on May 20th (though she has not revealed what year!) in Bloomington, Indiana. Her father was a Vice Admiral and her mother, Gretchen.

She grew up on farmland, learning to be active both in sport and nature. This skill with gardening helped her when she and Chakotay were forced to attempt to make a life on a planet after becoming infected with an incurable illness.

Her first Starfleet posting was aboard the USS Al-Batani, where she served as science officer. She was not above making mistakes, knocking out power to six decks at one point due to a misaligned relay. While serving aboard the Al-Batani, she often felt jealous of the captain for the opportunity to make first contact with alien species.

She was promoted to lieutenant and then served at a Federation outpost that came under attack by the Cardassians. One night, her commanding officer ordered her and and an Ensign to rescue a wounded Cardassian from the field. She learned to respect her enemies from this experience.

She would later serve as a commander aboard the USS Billings. She led an away mission which resulted in a shuttle getting damaged and three crewmen becoming seriously injured. Out of a sense of guilt, she piloted a shuttle solo the following day to complete the mission.

In 2371, she was offered command of the USS Voyager, one of the most advanced ships in the fleet.