Summary
- Pavel Chekov's career in Starfleet was characterized by his ability to serve in various positions as needed, without a clear career trajectory.
- Chekov's dream of becoming a starship captain was never confirmed, but he did briefly act as Captain of the Enterprise-A in one instance.
- Chekov's legacy in Starfleet is that of an enthusiastic and versatile officer, with his descendant Anton eventually becoming President of the United Federation of Planets.
J.J. Abrams' Star Trek movies continued a running joke that began in Star Trek: The Original Series in regard to Pavel Chekov's (Walter Koenig, Anton Yelchin) Starfleet career path. Chekov joined the cast of TOS in season 2 as an Ensign fresh out of Starfleet Academy. As is customary with junior officers, Chekov performed various tasks aboard the USS Enterprise as part of his duty shift rotations. Under the command of Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Mr. Chekov would be assigned to various positions throughout TOS and its subsequent movies.
Most often in Star Trek: The Original Series, Mr. Chekov served as the USS Enterprise's navigator and sometimes joined away missions. In Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Lt. Chekov served as the Security Chief and tactical officer on the refitted Enterprise under the command of Captain Will Decker (Stephen Collins). After being promoted to Commander, Chekov was assigned to the USS Reliant as its First Officer in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. He served as the Science Officer in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, but was back as navigator by Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.
