USS Samson (NCC-543) was a Saladin-class (Cochise-subclass) destroyer on active duty in Starfleet during at least the 23rd century. (Star Fleet Technical Manual)
Janet Rachelson was appointed Samson's commanding officer in 2284. (Orion Press: "Captain's Bars") In 2285, the ship was attacked by the first wave of the Kelvan invasion armada and Rachelson was killed; Lieutenant Commander Shaun Kelsey assumed command and managed to get Samson back into Federation space along with a disabled Kelvan fighter. (Orion Press: In Harm's Way)