b. 2335, Valdez, Alaska, Earth. Mother died when Riker was age 2; raised by father, abandoned at age 15.

Entered Starfleet Academy (2353) and in the year 2357 he graduated.

SERVICE RECORD (HIGHLIGHTS):

Assigned to U.S.S. Pegasus; sided with captain during mutiny on that ship.

Stationed on Betazed.

Served as lieutenant aboard U.S.S. Potemkin.

Promoted to lieutenant commander and commended for "exceptional valor" during rescue mission on Nervala IV (2361).
(During beam-out from that mission, a transporter accident created an exact duplicate of William T. Riker, who lived alone on the planet until he was discovered (2369). He then took the name Thomas Riker (from William T. Riker's middle name) and was assigned to the Federation starship U.S.S. Gandhi.)

Served as executive officer on U.S.S. Hood under Captain Robert DeSoto.

Offered command of U.S.S. Drake, declined (2364).

Transferred to U.S.S. Enterprise as executive officer (2364).

Participated in Officer Exchange Program and became first Starfleet officer to serve aboard a Klingon vessel, as first officer of Klingon ship P'agh (2365).

Offered command of U.S.S. Aries, declined (2365).

Charged with murder of Dr. Nel Apgar, acquitted (2366).

Offered command of U.S.S. Melbourne, declined (2366).

Temporary field promotion to captain of U.S.S. Enterprise when Capt. Picard was abducted by The Borg.

PERSONAL:

Musician (trombone), favors old Earth jazz.

Other hobbies include cooking.