Jean-Luc Picard

Before 2355
At some point prior to 2355, Jean-Luc Picard became the commanding officer of the Constellation-class starship USS Stargazer, with a rank of lieutennant commander.

2355
The USS Stargazer, under Picard's command, ends up in a firefight with an unknown assailant in what becomes known as the Battle of Maxia. The other ship, which is later learned to be a Ferengi vessel, is destroyed. The Stargazer is badly damaged and abandoned, and assumed to be destroyed.

2364
Picard, now with the rank of captain, becomes the commanding officer of the USS Enterprise-D.