The Federation and Starfleet

[Nerys Myk]

I assume since the Enterprise was built at Earth (starbase? Orbiting Earth), literally it is from there and would consider Earth its home base.

If the captain of the NAe São Paulo (a aircraft carrier) were asked what country his ship was from, he would say Brazil, even through the ship was constructed at a shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

If the Enterprise were a Federation ship (and not a Earth ship), regardless of where it was built, why would Kirk refer to as being from the planet Earth?

During TOS and the episode Assignment Earth, the Enterprise by appearances was very much not home based at Earth

Depends on the episode and the situation.

KIRK: This is Captain James T. Kirk of the starship Enterprise, representing the United Federation of Planets. We've contacted your buoy and understand its message. We hope that you will understand that our intent is to establish peaceful relations with you. Lieutenant, answer?

KIRK: This is Captain James Kirk of the USS Enterprise on Federation business. Our mission is peaceful, but we're not prepared to accept any interference.

KIRK: You're aboard the starship Enterprise.
LOKAI: I've heard of it. It's in the United Fleet of Planets?
KIRK: Federation. So was the shuttlecraft that you were flying in.

KIRK: Boss? All right, Lieutenant, put him on. Oxmyx. This is Captain James T. Kirk of the starship Enterprise, representing the Federation of Planets.

KIRK: Thralls? You must be mistaken. We're officers of a United spaceship on Federation business.

MAAB: Halt! You are of the Earth vessel?
KIRK: I'm Captain Kirk.

KIRK: I am Captain James T. Kirk of the starship Enterprise, representing the United Federation of Planets. This is my first officer Mister Spock.

KIRK: I'm Captain James T. Kirk of the starship Enterprise, representing the United Federation of Planets.

KIRK: We're a combined service, Captain. Our authority is the United Earth Space Probe Agency

KIRK: This is the United Earth ship Enterprise. We convey greetings and await your reply. What is it, Mister Bailey?

 

[T'Girl]

Modern day, when a countries warship is attached to a United Nation organized naval group, it identifies itself in communications as a UN warship.

However, when separately on business for their home country, that same warship would identify as a warship of that country.

 

[Nerys Myk]

Modern day, when a countries warship is attached to a United Nation organized naval group, it identifies itself in communications as a UN warship.

However, when separately on business for their home country, that same warship would identify as a warship of that country.

I doubt that's what the writers had in mind.

 

[Ithekro]

Every time Enterprise goes "home" it is to Earth.

 

[T'Girl]

I doubt that's what the writers had in mind.

It was a writer in TOS's third season who had Kirk refer to
the United Federation of Planets as "a vast alliance."

 

[Nerys Myk]

I doubt that's what the writers had in mind.

It was a writer in TOS's third season who had Kirk refer to
the United Federation of Planets as "a vast alliance."

And other writers said other things.

 

[Ithekro]

A vast alliance does make the most sense.