Name: Sheppard, John

Classification: Military; Air Force Lt Col

Place Of Origin: United States, Earth

Current Assignment: Field assignment as leader of military operations on the atlantis expedition and commands the lead stargate team.

Specialization: Attack pilot, Capable of flying Cobra, Apache, Sea King, Black Hawk, Osprey and sea Harrier attack helicopters and also F/A22 airplanes, Can also fly the ancient space craft called puddle jumpers.

Background Information: Recieved diciplinary action following a deliberate refusal to obey the orders of a superior officer during military action.

Profile and Assignment: Became part of the atlantis expedition at the personal request of Doctor Elizabeth Wier, who immediately recognised the importance of his ability to activate Ancient technology. Sheppard once flew in combat for the US military, but was relegated to the confines of McMurdo Air Force base in Antarctica following an indescretion whilst serving in Afghanistan. Choosing to disobey a direct order from a senior officer, Sheppard saved the lives of three men trapped behind enemy lines. This black mark did nothing to diminish his ablilities in the eyes of Weir, particularly after he managed to save the life of General O'Neill by landing his aircraft whilst under attack from a mistakenly activated Ancient drone. He accepted the assignment after encouragement from O'Neill and despite the antagonism of his accompanying military commander, Colonel Sumner.

Becoming the top ranking military officer in Atlantis following Colonel Sumner's death during the teams first encounter with the wraith, Sheppard is now responsible for leading teams through the Atlantis Stargate. Instead of flying earth- style craft , he pilots the'puddle jumpers', a craft developed by the Ancients to travel in planetary atmospheres aswell as in space. Sheppard himself renamed the vehicles after objecting to Lt Ford's suggestion of 'Gateships'. Despite his readiness to disobey orders he feels inappropriate, Sheppard is a good military man with a deep sense of honour. He will not leave a man behind even if a rescue seems overwhelmingly perilous, as shown by his attempts to rescue Colonel Sumner from the Wraith and his insistence on helping the Athosian survivors. He is also a talented tactical expert capable of leading all manner of assaults, an ability thet will no doubt be put to good use in his search for defences against the wraith.