Editing Michael Stanforth

{{Era|UNSC|HCW}}

{{Character Infobox|variant=Human

|image=[[File:FoR_Stanforth.png|300px]]

|homeworld=[[Earth]]<ref name="alph"/>

|birth=[[2486|July 15, 2486]]<ref name="Waypoint">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-clarity-grace '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder'']</ref> <ref name="confusion" group="note"/>

|death=[[2552|August 30, 2552]]<ref name="alph"/>

|rank=[[Vice Admiral]]<ref name="alph"/>

|height=

|sn=00834-19223-HS

|types=

|notable=  

'''Vice Admiral Hieronymus "Harold" Michael Stanforth'''<ref name="confusion" group="note"/> ([[service number]] '''00834-19223-HS''') was a [[Vice Admiral|flag officer]] of the [[UNSC Navy]]. He served as the head of the [[Office of Naval Intelligence#Section Three|Office of Naval Intelligence's Section Three]], its clandestine operations group, in the early years of the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="alph"/><ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 33'' (2010 edition)</ref>

By [[2503]], Stanforth had risen to the rank of [[admiral]]. On June 13 of that year, Stanforth sent a message from his ship, the {{UNSCShip|Leviathan}}, to then-[[Preston Cole|Captain Preston Cole]].<ref name="confusion" group="note">See [[Michael Stanforth#Discrepancies|this section]].</ref> The [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] had discovered that Cole's wife [[Lyrenne Castilla]] was in fact an [[Insurrectionist]] and the commander of the ''[[Bellicose]]''. Stanforth broke regulations by warning Cole three hours before [[Reach]] [[Central Command]] transmitted the orders for Castilla's arrest and Cole's recall. Stanforth told Cole: {{Article Quote|You've got three hours. Find Lyrenne before ONI gets her. Bring her in yourself. That'll go a long way toward clearing your name and ending this.}}

Although Cole faced court martial and even [[capital punishment]] for possible treason, Stanforth and Cole's admiring public pressured ONI into releasing Cole with no charges. All that were involved were given strict orders to keep the affair classified.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]", ''pages 454-458''</ref>

In [[2507]], Stanforth held the rank of [[Captain (Navy)|captain]], possibly due to demotion or because his position as an admiral was temporary.<ref name="confusion" group="note"/> During this same year he noticed the potential of [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]], as she corrected [[Elias Carver]]'s work while she was still a young upstart. This was the start of Stanforth's continuous aiding of Dr. Halsey with her project as her military counterpart and protecting her and the project from those that wanted to see it disbanded. During the next three years, the captain would rise in rank to become a vice admiral by December 2510.<ref name="journal">'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''</ref>

Stanforth was head of Section Three of the Office of Naval Intelligence from [[2512]] to [[2530]]. He was involved with many classified projects including [[Project GUNGNIR|GUNGNIR]], [[SPARTAN programs|SPARTAN]], and [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR]].<ref name="alph"/> Although he protected Halsey and her [[SPARTAN-II program]] from competitors and saboteurs, he also prevented her from accessing classified information such as information on the [[SPARTAN-III program]].<ref name="journal"/>

In [[2517]], he refused to allow Dr. Halsey to use the [[diplomatic shuttle]] ''[[Han]]'' on her study for the [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-II]] candidates unless she had a military escort. Halsey chose then-[[Jacob Keyes|Junior-Grade Lieutenant Jacob Keyes]] for the assignment.

On [[2525|November 2, 2525]], Stanforth gave the SPARTAN-IIs their first briefing on the [[Covenant]]. Stanforth's briefing included diagrams of [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar]], as well as information on the [[First Battle of Harvest|fall of Harvest]]. He revealed that due to the UNSC-wide mobilization, the [[SPARTAN-II training]] would be accelerated and the Spartans would be given their [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] earlier.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''pages 118-121'' (2010 edition)</ref> On [[2526|April 28, 2526]], Stanforth requested for the Office of Naval Intelligence to repurpose all assets to aid the [[Human-Covenant War|new war against the Covenant]] and to refocus all research on wartime strategy.<ref name="journal"/>

 

By [[2535]], Stanforth had entered a committee discussing ONI budget on several projects, including the MJOLNIR project, forcing the project to take on a generational "Mark" system to categorize, prioritize and serialize the project in budgets.<ref name="journal"/> In [[2549]], at Admiral Stanforth's insistence, the SPARTAN-II program was made public for morale purposes.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 216'' (2001 edition); ''page 249'' (2010 edition)</ref>

By [[2552]], Vice Admiral Stanforth commanded [[FLEETCOM Sector Three]], which included the [[Sigma Octanus system]]. He was the first person who then-Commander Jacob Keyes informed via [[COM|SATCOM]] of the impending Covenant [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV|invasion]] of [[Sigma Octanus IV]].<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''pages 167-168'' (2010 edition)</ref> To aid in the defense of the planet, Stanforth had amassed four dozen UNSC ships in orbit over Sigma Octanus IV—including two [[UNSC carrier|carrier]]s, a [[refit station]], and numerous [[cruiser]]s, [[UNSC destroyer|destroyer]]s, and [[UNSC frigate|frigate]]s.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 181'' (2010 edition)</ref> After Keyes' [[Keyes Loop|impressive tactical maneuver]] that led to the destruction of three Covenant vessels and the forced retreat of a carrier, Stanforth went aboard {{UNSCShip|Iroquois}} to personally congratulate Keyes and promote him to the rank of captain.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 187'' (2010 edition)</ref> Later, at Keyes' request, Stanforth had [[William Lovell|Ensign William Lovell]] transferred to ''Iroquois''.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 188'' (2010 edition)</ref>

Six hours later, a second Covenant fleet had returned to the Sigma Octanus system. He led the UNSC forces during the battle from the {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}} {{UNSCShip|Leviathan}}. Stanforth had his fleet hold position between Sigma Octanus IV and its [[natural satellite]]. While it allowed for the fleet to fire all their MAC guns simultaneously at the Covenant fleet with a single massive volley, the formation restricted the mobility of the fleet and would leave them unable to evade the extremely accurate Covenant [[plasma torpedo]]es. As the UNSC and Covenant vessels engaged each other, the Covenant fleet was heavily damaged from the UNSC's opening MAC salvo. Stanforth then gave an order to all ships commanding them not to fire. He told the ships to hold their positions and then the {{UNSCShip|Cradle}} moved in front of the UNSC formation, acting as a sacrificial shield, and absorbed the Covenant fleet's first salvo. With ''Cradle'' destroyed and the Covenant attack deflected, Stanforth ordered for all ships to break formation and attack before the Covenant fleet recharged its weapons.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''pages 215-222'' (2010 edition)</ref>

During the battle, UNSC ''Iroquois'' left the engagement to destroy a [[Covenant stealth ship]] in orbit over the planet. Afterward, Keyes contacted Stanforth and requested the admiral's aid in destroying a Covenant destroyer that was preparing to engage ''Iroquois''. While Stanforth demanded to know why Keyes left the battle, Keyes informed the admiral about the incident with the stealth ship as well as his discovery of a Covenant transmission that held the reason for the Covenant's assault on Sigma Octanus. Accepting Keyes' explanation, Stanforth ordered the remaining eight UNSC ships to fire upon the destroyer, though it survived the volley and continued on its course toward ''Iroquois'', only to break off and leave the system along with the rest of the Covenant fleet.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''pages 227-229'' (2010 edition)</ref> As the rest of the Covenant fleet retreated, Stanforth considered the battle a victory that would raise morale.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 242'' (2010 edition)</ref> To his later regret, Stanforth gave Dr. Halsey the after-action report on the battle. Later, he was afraid that she might find out about the [[Forerunner]] [[Sigma Octanus IV artifact|crystal]] found there.<ref name="journal"/>

Stanforth ordered Keyes to return with him to Reach for debriefing.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 245'' (2010 edition)</ref> By [[2552|August 1, 2552]], Stanforth had returned to Epsilon Eridani, along with half of his [[battle group]] that was present at Sigma Octanus. He stated that he was concerned that Parangosky was considering RED FLAG, and stated that if used on Reach, the human death count and military sacrifice would be astounding and that it would become a revolutionary point in the war. Despite his concerns, Stanforth attached the document detailing the specifics of the operation with his message to Parangosky.<ref name="dd4">'''Data Drop''', ''#4''</ref> As the Covenant onslaught on the Epsilon Eridani system began, Stanforth commanded naval forces throughout the system. On [[2552#August|August 12, 2552]], Stanforth's [[Battle Group Leviathan]] was now in full capacity and had returned to Reach for emergency repairs and refit.<ref name="journal"/> While the battle group was repaired, Stanforth and Keyes arrived at [[Camp Hathcock]] in the [[Highland Mountains]] on Reach for debriefing. Shortly after, they returned to their respective vessels within the battle group.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 252'' (2010 edition)</ref> On [[2552|August 27, 2552]], Stanforth sent a message to Parangosky detailing his guilt about keeping half of Reach in the dark about the Covenant invasion. He later revealed the key assets and staff involved in RED FLAG and expressed amazement at the [[Career Service Vitae]] belonging to [[John-117]].<ref name="dd5">'''Data Drop''', ''#5''</ref> That day, Stanforth had Halsey brief the SPARTAN-IIs on Operation: RED FLAG.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 274'' (2010 edition)</ref>

On [[2552#August|August 30, 2552]], Vice Admiral Stanforth backed Dr. Halsey's official protest that was sent to {{UNSCShip|Burden of Proof}} that was related to [[James Ackerson|Colonel James Ackerson]]'s possible involvement with the sabotage of Halsey's field test with John-117 and [[Cortana]].<ref name="journal"/> Stanforth had the SPARTAN-IIs affiliated with RED FLAG board {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}, but ensured that none of them used their [[COM]] unit to prevent anyone else from discovering the operation.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 313'' (2010 edition)</ref> The same day, Stanforth died in combat against the Covenant during the Fall of Reach.<ref name="alph"/>

Stanforth enjoyed [[list of food and drinks|whiskey]] and [[Sweet William cigar]]s. He had a close, personal friendship with [[Jacob Keyes]] and was considered a humanist at heart.<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 74'' (2011 edition)</ref> Stanforth held respect for Keyes and [[John-117]], believing both to be remarkable individuals.<ref name="dd5"/> Keyes noted that Stanforth was known for being reasonable and intelligent.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 167'' (2010 edition)</ref> Stanforth also held close working relationships with [[Margaret Parangosky]] and [[Preston Cole]]. When he realized that Cole's wife, [[Lyrenne Castilla]], was an insurgent, he broke regulation and warned him to prevent ONI from giving Cole a court martial. He respected [[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]] and had been one of the few to notice her potential when she was young. He would often help her by protecting her projects from competitors, including [[James Ackerson|Colonel James Ackerson]]. When [[Operation: RED FLAG]] was deemed appropriate for initiation at [[Reach]], Stanforth was willing to include Dr. Halsey in it—despite Admiral Parangosky's reluctance.<ref name="dd4"/> Stanforth suffered from "[[space walk]]" due to his long terms in microgravity.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 117'' (2010 edition)</ref>

The [[ONI memorial|memorial]] in ''Halo 3: ODST'' gives Stanforth's first name as "Hieronymus", while ''The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole'' identifies him as "Harold". This was likely due to a lack of communication between [[Bungie]] and the short story's author, [[Eric Nylund]]. Simply put, both parties gave differing explanations for the ''H'' in his service number: he is referred to by his middle name, Michael, in ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', while his service number is 00834-19223-HS. The [[Data Drop]] written by [[343 Industries]] reiterates his first name as Harold on one occasion, yet he is otherwise consistently referred to as Hieronymus.

The memorial lists Stanforth's date of birth as July 3, 2486.<ref name="alph">'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''', multiplayer level ''[[Alpha Site]]'': [[ONI Memorial]]</ref> However, if the timeline of his life from ''Halo: Evolutions'' were taken at face value, this would mean he reached the rank of admiral at seventeen years old. Thus, his birth date on the memorial should be (like the birth date of Preston Cole) considered erroneous. According to the short story, Admiral Stanforth commanded a vessel known as the ''Leviathan'' in June 2503. However, as the [[Marathon-class heavy cruiser|''Marathon'' class]] was designed as a replacement for the [[Halcyon-class light cruiser|''Halcyon'' class]], (itself designed in [[2510]]), this particular vessel was likely the namesake of Stanforth's later flagship: see [[UNSC Leviathan#Note|here]] for more information.

As mentioned above, the 2486 figure cannot be considered factually accurate, as it would make Stanforth far too young. However, if he were an admiral in 2510, he would most likely have been middle-aged at the time. If this were the case, Vice Admiral Stanforth would have been nearly a century old near the end of the Human-Covenant War. This is not out of the question, however, as 26th-century medical advances and cryosleep during slipspace travel could very well may extend human longevity decades beyond what modern science allows. For example, Admiral [[Margaret Parangosky]], the former Commander in Chief of ONI, served at least until the age of 92.

The strangest incongruity in Stanforth's background is his rank. Even if he were demoted between 2503 and 2507, it is extremely unlikely that his rank would be decreased four grades (from O-10 to O-6) for any reason. No source suggests a disciplinary infraction of any kind, and even if his rank of admiral were temporary (perhaps honorary), he probably would not have received such a prominent ''ad hoc'' position in the first place. Dr. Halsey's personal journal makes no mention of Stanforth's past as a flag officer: he is referred to as "the Captain" in entries dated between 2507 and December 2510, after which he is called "the Vice Admiral".

==Note==

<references group="note"/>

{{Reflist|2}}

[[Category:UNSC Naval Personnel|Stanforth, Hieronymus Michael]]