What is the name of the starship commanded by Jean-Luc Picard in most of TNG?

The starship commanded by Jean-Luc Picard in most of The Next Generation is the USS Enterprise-D.

The Galaxy-class Enterprise-D was commissioned in 2363, with Picard as its captain. It serves as the primary setting for the series, which ran from 1987 to 1994, and its mission involved exploration, diplomacy, scientific investigation, and first contact with new civilizations.

The “D” distinguishes this ship from earlier Federation vessels named Enterprise, including Kirk’s Constitution-class Enterprise and the refitted Enterprise-A. Its registry was NCC-1701-D, a detail sometimes omitted in casual references.

Picard did not command it continuously: William Riker briefly assumed command during “The Best of Both Worlds,” and Edward Jellico took command during “Chain of Command.” In both stories, however, Picard ultimately resumed command. The Enterprise-D was destroyed in Star Trek Generations in 2371, though its saucer section later returned in Star Trek: Picard.