The “Star Trek” science fiction TV and movie series will make the jump from deep space exploration to the movie theaters nationwide this week and many DeKalb County residents are ready to embark on the new adventure.

Eric L. Watts is a Doraville resident and commanding officer of the USS Republic, the largest Star Trek fan club in the Southeast which is based in Doraville.

The Republic, according to the “Starfleet Officer’s Manual,” was one of Starfleet’s original ships, which was constructed even before the NCC-1701 Enterprise.

“Star Trek gave me something to think about and relate to as a kid growing up,” Watts said. “The original stories dealt with the times at hand and always had morals and values to teach.”

Before Watts, 47, came to Atlanta, he created the largest Star Trek organization in South Carolina in 1980.

As for the new movie, Watts said he could not be more excited about its release — as long as it stays true to the series.

“I have been waiting for this movie since 2002, when the last movie came out,” Watts said, in reference to “Star Trek Nemesis.”

“Whether or not I am able to embrace this movie, however, will depend on if this story is able to fit in with the 43-year saga that we grew up with.”

Watts, who in real life is a cargo transport specialist, said he plans on seeing the film at least four times by week’s end. The highly-anticipated film is directed by J.J. Abrams, famous for helping to create the “Lost” TV series and movies like “Cloverfield.”

“This is a great time to be a ‘Star Trek’ fan,” Watts said.

Kevin Parker, or Amar Koloth, his Klingon name, also is a member of the USS Republic. Parker, a forklift operator, said he had mixed feelings about the new movie.

“I’m glad to see they are doing another film, but I hope they are taking it in a good direction,” said Parker, 42. “I have high hopes for it and hope it is able to inspire a new generation like the original series did for mine.”

Joanne Troew, 54, a stay-at-home mom who is also a member of the Doraville fan club, has been a fan of the series since she was a child.

“My dad would make me watch the original series and it was probably the best thing he ever did for me — to instill that love for science fiction,” she said.

“There are no words to describe how excited I am for this new movie. I love the casting for the film and I really feel this is going to inject new blood to the franchise.”