Prior to the Dominion War, a Karemma trade delegation visited Bajor in 2370 to establish trade relations between themselves and the Bajorans. The Karemma, a Dominion member state, wished to open up trade with what they viewed as lucrative, untapped markets. The trade talks would ultimately be for naught when Dominion forces began their military campaign against the Alpha Quadrant. However, during the short period of relations between their two peoples, the Bajorans managed to secure the purchase of a single Karemman Tulaka Heavy Freighter. The ship was expensive for the Bajorans to purchase, but they viewed it as a necessity for the continued protection of Bajor.

Rechristened the Vedek, this new ship was outfitted with the best technologies that the Bajorans had to offer. The cargo bays were ripped out of the hull, replaced instead with spacious hangars allowing the Vedek to operate as a heavy carrier unit. The empty weapon mounts were replaced with no less than six light phasers making the Vedek one of the heaviest warships in their fleet.

The Vedek Command Carrier first saw action during the standoff with Romulan forces in 2375. Though the Romulans ultimately stood down, it was found that the fast action of the Vedek's crew coupled with its fighter wing and improved command and control center let the Vedek coordinate the fleet more efficiently than could otherwise have been accomplished.