ALT A pair of Ankara-class Escort Carriers seen stationed over a Venusian greenhouse world. The two ships, the UNSC White Noise and UNSC Forgotten Purpose, were originally deployed as part of a prospective colony support operation, with the intent of supplying research and development teams working below on the planet. Surface infrastructure capable of supporting human habitation under high pressure and heat would be manufactured aboard the Ankara's fabrication bays, and delivered as quick-assembled modular habs. The operation was cut short before the colony itself could become self-sustaining, due to the unfortunate arrival of a Covenant scouting element in-system. All personnel were safely evacuated before any engagement could ensue; however, all future UEG efforts to investigate colonization of greenhouse worlds was abandoned until post-war resource allocation made it feasible again.

ALT An Ankara-class Escort Carrier seen itself being escorted by a Diligence-class Destroyer. Following the 2525 handover of CMA assets to UNSC service, the Diligence became a particularly abundant reserve of escort and patrol vessels available to a then heavily overstretched UNSC occupation force in the Outer Colonies. Slapdash converted liveries of faded CMA emblems were seen covered by the fresh paint of a distinctly UNSC style - an unintentional allegory for a broader shift in the balance of power across the colonies. The Ankara, which was once intended to be the carrying capacity of a force meant to contend against an entrenched CMA, was now seen escorted by the very ships it was designed to fight, occupying worlds they were meant to defend.

ALT Perspective render of a Ankara-class Escort Carrier, seen from below and broad on the port bow.

ALT Perspective render of an Ankara-class Escort Carrier, seen from below and broad on the port quarter.