Name:    USS Cheyenne (USA)

Card:    FN #081 (Rare)

Points:  15

Masts: 3

Cargo: 3

Moves: S+S

Guns : 3L,3L,3S

Hit %: 150 (S), 100 (L)

Ability: Icebreaker. Once per turn, if this ship is within S of an island, you may mark the island as explored without docking at it. The island becomes unexplored in regards to all other players.

What is it with 15-point American ships? Only the Pirates have more ships with that point cost, and the total Pirate fleet is nearly twice the size of the USA's. This one isn't one of America's best, but it's far from their worst.

This is the only icebreaker that can go faster than L without help. Her cannons are slightly above average, and her cargo is about average, so you could use her as a support fighter or back-up gold ship once the icebergs have all been turned into slush. Her ability is handy as an aid to gold ships; too bad the USA doesn't have many of those. I'd put a Helmsman on her and send her out to find the best treasures with her ability, and smack any icebergs in her path. Once the islands are explored, she can finish off the bergs, then run a little gold in the end-game. Or maybe I'd use Helmsman and Captain, and combine the above missions with a little gunfire if enemy gold ships got close enough.

Flexibility is one of the most important features a ship can possess, in my opinion. I have little use for a ship that can do only one thing, unless it can do that one thing very well. The USS Cheyenne gets maximum marks as a fleet support ship, but she also gets average marks for the other roles, which means she can do a little of everything. You won't want to use her often, because you can buy some awesome American gunships for fifteen points, but you probably won't be sorry if you give her a try.

Goldship rating: 3.4 / 5

Gun Ship rating: 3.0 / 5

Boarding rating: 3.0 / 5

Support  rating: 5.0 / 5

Value for points: 3.1 / 5

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