A Federation starbase where the Enterprise-D took aboard new personnel in 2365, including the Benzite ensign Mendon, as part of the Officer Exchange Programme.
Starbase 179 is a Starfleet base visited by the USS Enterprise-D at the opening of the Next Generation episode A Matter of Honor.
The ship calls there in 2365 to collect replacement crew and participants in the Officer Exchange Programme. Among them is Ensign Mendon, a Benzite whom Wesley Crusher mistakes for his old acquaintance Mordock.
The visit also sets the main story in motion. With exchange officers coming aboard, Picard suggests that someone from the Enterprise should serve on a Klingon vessel, and Riker volunteers for a posting on the IKS Pagh.