Damascus

The Damascus was a modified Clop-class cruiser operated by the Earth Federation Forces in UC 0097. The vessel served as the base of operations for Iago Haakana’s Shezarr team during the Phoenix Hunt operation, tasked with capturing the rogue psychoframe mobile suit RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex.

History

Phoenix Hunt Operation

The Damascus was deployed in UC 0097 under the command of Captain Abaev for the classified Phoenix Hunt operation. The mission objective was to locate and capture the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex, which had disappeared following the Laplace Incident and was considered a dangerous rogue unit due to its advanced psychoframe technology.

The ship initially served as the mobile base for the Shezarr team, which was equipped with six RGM-96Xs Jesta (Shezarr Type) mobile suits specifically modified for this operation.

Encounter at Side 4

During operations in Side 4’s shoal zone, the Damascus and its mobile suit team encountered their target, the Phenex. Following this engagement, the ship’s mobile suit roster was expanded with the addition of the RX-9 Narrative Gundam and its pilot, Jona Basta, who had been recruited specifically to counter the Phenex’s abilities.

Final Battle

The Damascus later participated in a critical battle to prevent the NZ-999 II Neo Zeong from destroying a helium-3 supply base. This engagement represented one of the ship’s most significant combat operations during the Phoenix Hunt mission.

Design

The Damascus featured extensive modifications from the standard Clop-class design, optimised for the specific requirements of the Phoenix Hunt operation. These modifications were designed to enhance the ship’s mobile suit support capabilities whilst improving operational endurance for extended missions.

Major modifications

The most significant alteration was the installation of dual hangar systems, with both upper and lower hangar bays. This arrangement provided increased mobile suit capacity compared to the standard Clop-class design and allowed for more complex support operations.

The hangar portion was substantially widened, with the notch under the bridge pushed back further towards the side propeller structures. This modification provided considerably more internal space for mobile suit operations and maintenance.

The Damascus featured two additional propellant tanks on each side, likely to compensate for the increased mass and power requirements of the enlarged hangar systems. These tanks were reflected in the ship’s modified cooling fin arrangement, which was smaller than the standard Clop-class design.

Enhanced systems

The bridge structure was elevated compared to the standard design, with a connecting hatch linking to the hangar bay. The rear hull section behind the bridge was substantially thicker than the original Clop-class design, providing additional internal volume that likely housed enhanced life support and operational systems.

The side thruster coverage was extended to approximately two-thirds or three-quarters of the hull length, compared to one-third coverage on standard Clop-class vessels. This modification suggested improved manoeuvrability and station-keeping capabilities.

Armament modifications

Unlike the standard Clop-class, the Damascus had its anti-aircraft guns on the bridge removed, likely to accommodate the enlarged bridge structure and enhanced sensor systems required for the Phoenix Hunt mission. The specific weapons complement of the modified vessel remains classified.

Mobile weapons complement

The Damascus carried a specialised mobile suit complement designed specifically for the Phoenix Hunt operation:

RX-9 Narrative Gundam (added after initial deployment)
6 × RGM-96Xs Jesta (Shezarr Type)

The Jesta (Shezarr Type) units were specially modified versions of the standard RGM-96X Jesta, optimised for operations against psychoframe-equipped mobile suits. The addition of the Narrative Gundam provided the team with a unit capable of matching the Phenex’s advanced capabilities.

Known crew

Captain Abaev - Ship’s commanding officer
Iago Haakana - Shezarr team leader
Jona Basta - Narrative Gundam pilot (added after initial deployment)

Behind the scenes

The Damascus was designed by Katoki Hajime and Seiichi Nakatani for Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative. The ship’s design represents a significant departure from the standard Clop-class, reflecting the specific operational requirements of the Phoenix Hunt mission.

The vessel’s name derives from Damascus steel, renowned for its strength and distinctive patterns, perhaps symbolising the ship’s role in containing and controlling the unpredictable Phenex.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative