Hesperus-class prowler

The Hesperus-class prowler was a class of vessels in service with the United Nations Space Command  between 2561 and 2691. During its service, the Hesperus-class saw action during the final years of the Remnant War against the Covenant Remnant, later the Galactic War from 2622 until 2633, and finally the Swarm War between that year and the end of its service. The Hesperus-class was a small, highly specialised vessel intended for a small number of roles, including covert reconnaissance, electronic intelligence and surveillance, landing of special operations forces, and covert strikes on enemy assets. To accomplish these tasks, the Hesperus-class, like -era prowlers that preceded it, was equipped with a substantial array of electronic equipment, as well as highly specialised and effective stealth measures. As a result of this, the prowler had the highest cost-to-tonnage ratio of any warship operated by the UNSC Navy.

The Hesperus-class was most commonly deployed one to a battle group, where the prowler would provide assistance and support to its companion vessels, and also operate at range autonomously from the unit performing covert tasks. Prowlers were also deployed in small strike squadrons to penetrate deep into enemy territory undetected in order to strike a target, and exfiltrate undetected again. Finally, the Hesperus-class prowler could be deployed alone, patrolling friendly territory and raiding enemy space equally, and operating on largely randomised courses so their appearance could never be anticipated.