The USS Springfield (NCC-1963) was a 23rd century Federation starship operated by Starfleet.
In 2293, the Springfield was assigned for a patrol mission along the Neutral Zone during the time that Operation Retrieve was proposed. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)
Background
This ship was not related to the Springfield-class of starships, which were in service during the 2360s.
While not an official source, Decipher roleplaying game supplements state that this vessel may be a Ranger-class at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works cruiser.
Springfield was said to be the most common town name in the United States of America, with 37 cities by that name (and many more with variations of that name, such as "Springfield Crossing" or "Springfield Plantation") in over 30 states. It was possible that one of these cities was the origin of this ship's name.
According to a ship listing included in the plans, and not seen in the extended cut of the movie, the Springfield was commanded by D. Bayard, and the ship was located in Sector 21835.
The ship's captain was named after the sixth movie's art department construction coordinator Richard J. Bayard. [1]