An assault ship designed for delivering troops and equipment to a planet's surface, the Retalla Vastamri is the principle troop transport used by the Romulan empire in the 23rd Century. The vessel likely is named in reference to the following quote: "The Romulan soldier will lead the way and secure the foundations of the Road to the Stars, for he will be borne on the wings of justice --- Arenius Triario, Commander." According to The Eridam Papers, this historic statement was made by Commander Triario as the Romulan fleet departed for a great battle with the Corillians. Triario was victorious and returned a hero.

In most cases the Retalla Vastamri Troop Transport is used in follow up invasions, or against minor powers that cannot hope to defeat the Romulans militarily, thus not putting these troop-laden vessels in harm's way. Like all older Romulan troop ships, the Retalla Vastamri does not use a cloaking device, as the equipment needed to run and maintain a cloaking device proved to be too costly in internal volume.