I am the elite. I put the lives of the innocent and the lives of my squadron mates above my own. I will go to any lengths to bring rights to the oppressed and will stop at nothing to deliver justice to the oppressors. I am a member of Republic Squadron. Let that knowledge bring comfort to my friends and strike fear in the hearts of my enemies.
—The Republic Squadron Oath
Republic Squadron, sometimes shortened to Rep. Squadron, was an elite starfighter squadron founded by New Republic fighter pilots Tarvin Calaan and Cody Vistal in 8 ABY. Republic Squadron was officially commissioned in early 10 ABY, and went on to become one of the most decorated squadrons in the New Republic and later the Galactic Alliance. Over the years, Republic Squadron gained a reputation as one of the galaxy's most efficient fighter units, boasting an exceptionally high kill-to-loss ratio. Despite serving with distinction in both the Galactic Civil War and Yuuzhan Vong War, the unit proved to not be invincible. After twenty-six years of service, it was finally decommissioned in 36 ABY after it was nearly wiped out during the Ambush at Waypoint 7.
History[]
Creation[]
Republic Squadron was the brainchild of New Republic fighter pilot Commander Tarvin Calaan. After his experiences during the Tarsik Campaign, Calaan felt that the New Republic had become too overconfident in the abilities of its fighter squadrons. As a result, he took it upon himself to create a new, elite starfighter squadron by implementing a new, experimental training program. After garnering permission to do so from the New Republic Starfighter Command, Calaan and squadron mate Lieutenant Cody Vistal left their old unit, Gold Squadron, and began to form Republic Squadron. Calaan's proposed new training system took much longer and was far more expensive than existing practices, and was deemed experimental by Starfighter Command.
As opposed to recruiting pilots with a long period of military experience and impressive combat records, Calaan and Vistal recruited pilots with little or no previous combat experience. Of the pilots who made the final roster, only Jarton Kinsk had any starfighter combat experience. By recruiting younger pilots as opposed to older, more seasoned ones, the pilots of Republic Squadron would be able to serve the New Republic for years and still have enough time left in their careers to pass on their knowledge to new generations of recruits. Calaan and Vistal wasted little time with basic training and quickly pushed the recruits into training for realistic combat situations. Calaan himself would often engage his recruits in simulated combat. Those who failed to impress him, were immediately cut. By training pilots to fly at an elite level before they ever saw combat, Calaan and Vistal felt that those pilots would have a better probability of surviving their first few missions. Due to the lengthy amount of time it took to train these young pilots to an "elite" level, Republic Squadron took no part in the Thrawn campaign in 9 ABY.
Because of the intensity of Calaan and Vistal's training regimen, dozens of applicants to join Republic Squadorn washed out before the final group of ten was selected. Calaan's training style, which emphazied teamwork and camaraderie, resulted in a close bond between those who were selected, which would prove instrumental in their later success. By early 10 ABY, Calaan and Vistal felt they had a group of ten pilots who were ready for action, and the squadron was officially commissioned not long afterward. At some point in late 9 ABY, Starfighter Command informed Calaan and Vistal that Republic Squadron would be flying the brand new E-wing escort starfighter. While Vistal was pleased with the decision, Calaan instead chose to continue flying his old X-wing starfighter, which he would fly throughout his tenure with the squadron. Upon commissioning, Republic Squadron was dubbed one of the "Original Three." This term was used to describe Republic, Knave, and White squadrons, all of which were the first three active E-wing squadrons in the New Republic.
Early actions[]
Let's get some.
—Republic Squadron's unofficial slogan, first uttered by Tarvin Calaan during the First Battle of Mon Calamari
Cody Vistal leads Two Flight during the First Battle of Mon Calamari in 10 ABY.
Republic Squadron's first experience in combat came during Operation Shadow Hand when the squadron was deployed, along with the other members of the "Original Three," in the defense of Mon Calamari in 10 ABY. Over Mon Calamari, the young pilots of Republic Squadron manged to destroy a pair of World Devastators, but they paid a heavy price in the process. During the battle, Republic Squadron's Three Flight, under the command of Lieutenant Arto Reedo, was cut off from the rest of the squadron and killed.
Despite its losses during the defense of Mon Calamari, Republic Squadron was not taken off the front lines and was deployed to Manaan only days later. During the ensuing Second Battle of Manaan, Commander Calaan was forced to call up inexperienced pilots, including his own wife, Larena, and Reedo's younger brother, Gax, to replenish the ranks of Three Flight. During the fighting over Manaan, Three Flight was once again cut off and nearly wiped out. Though two of the replacements were lost, quick action on the part of Calaan and Lead Flight managed to spare Larena and Gax from the same fate. Though Larena would leave the squadron immediately after the battle, Gax was asked to remain as a permanent member. Due to the loss of six pilots in just its first two missions, the experimental training program used during the squadron's formation was deemed a failure by New Republic Starfighter Command and would not be implemented in future training doctrines.
Republic Squadron was present for the Battle of Pinnacle Base a few weeks later, but played a relatively minor role, spending most of its time evading the Force Storm generated by the reborn Palpatine. The squadron went on to participate in the Battle of Onderon, where the unit's flying earned its members a number of commendations. Despite some initial teething problems, Republic Squadron had proven itself as an effective Squadron during the campaign against the Reborn Emperor and was now ready to help take down the last vestiges of the Galactic Empire.
Final campaigns[]
Later in 11 ABY, Republic Squadron was stationed aboard the Gladiator-class Star Destroyer Dagger. The squadron played a major role in the Fifth Battle of Coruscant, where its pilots provided close air support to New Republic forces as they attempted to retake the ruins of the Senate Building. A few months later, Republic Squadron would suffer its first and only defeat of the Galactic Civil War when Colonel Cronus attacked the Chardaan Shipyards, which Republic Squadron had been assigned to protect. Despite their best efforts, Republic Squadron was forced to withdraw in the face of Cronus's vastly superior fleet and the Chardaan Shipyards were all but reduced to rubble.
Sending one elite squadron to eliminate another elite squadron? It's like ramming two Star Destroyers together. All it leaves is a big mess, and in the end everyone has a bad day.
—Tarvin Calaan in 16 ABY
In 16 ABY New Republic convoys where being devastated by Imperial hit and run raids. During each raid, the Imperial raiders would leave a single New Republic transport or fighter alive so that it could spread word of the raid throughout the New Republic. Unbeknownst to the New Republic, this series of violent raids was being carried out by only one squadron–an elite unit of TIE/D Defenders known as Typhoon Squadron. Typhoon Squadron had been given the task of luring one of the New Republic's elite starfighter units out in the open and destroying it.
In response to the raids, the New Republic ordered Republic Squadron, along with Black Knight Squadron and the Dagger, to begin escorting New Republic convoys, just as Typhoon Squadron hoped they would. During one such escort mission, Typhoon Squadron ambushed the New Republic convoy and, despite being outnumbered two-to-one, managed to inflict heavy casualties on the Black Knights, in addition to scoring two kills on Republic Squadron. Despite being taken by surprise, the experienced pilots of Republic and Black Knight Squadrons quickly turned the tables on the Imperials. In his rush to escape, the Imperial commander made a severe blunder by jumping directly back to his squadron's base of operations. By recording their hyperspace vector, Calaan was able to to locate Typhoon Squadron's base. The New Republic quickly organized an attack on the base during which Republic Squadron managed to disable the base's shields and destroy most of the enemy squadron before they could even launch. The Imperial commander himself was killed after he was shot down by Calaan after a pitched dogfight. With the Imperial threat eliminated, Republic Squadron was hailed as a rival to Rogue Squadron and its pilots became national celebrities.
In 17 ABY, Republic Squadron was transferred from the Dagger to the Executor-class Star Dreadnought Guardian. As part of the Guardian's compliment, Republic Squadron would take part in the Battle of Champala in 18 ABY. During the ensuing Battle of Anx Minor, Republic Squadron was instrumental in providing fighter cover for the New Republic capital ships and helped disable the shields of the Imperial warship EX-F, allowing New Republic forces to destroy the vessel.
Later that year, Colonel Calaan left on temporary leave when he was asked to help train the members of the New Jedi Order in the art of starfighter combat by Luke Skywalker. During Calaan's absence, Vistal was left in command of the Squadron. When Calaan returned, he stated that he had become thoroughly impressed with Vistal's ability to lead.
It's hard to believe, that after all the fighting, after all the death, after the loss of my homeworld, it's finally over. The New Republic has won."
"And the squadron that bears its name made it happen.
—Tarvin Calaan and Cody Vistal in the wake of the Bastion Accords
When the Galactic Civil War ended just under a year later, the squadron was finally able to take a much needed rest. Despite initially failing to gain acceptance, the training program used during the squadron's formation would gain some degree of recognition in light of the unit's success, and certain aspects of the program would be fazed into the training doctrine of Starfighter Command over the course of the next few years. Feeling he had finally accomplished his goal of defeating the Empire, the squadron's longtime leader Calaan decided to retire, leaving the squadron in the capable hands of squadron co-founder Vistal. At the end of the war came a round of promotions, which made eight of the squadron's ten members the rank of Lieutenant or higher. Like the rest of the galaxy, the pilots of Republic Squadron were unaware of the threat that would reveal itself to the galaxy only six short years later.
Yuuzhan Vong War[]
This isn't the Empire. I can't belive I'm saying this, but I think this is worse. But we're Republic Squadron, and we're going to face it head-on nontheless.
—Major Cody Vistal just before the Battle of Dantooine in the early days of the Yuuzhan Vong War
When the Yuuzhan Vong invaded the galaxy in 25 ABY, Republic Squadron was immediately sent back into action. The unit first saw action during the Battle of Dantooine, as part of Admiral Traest Kre'fey's relief force. During the battle, the squadron suffered its first, but certainly not its last, casualty of the war. Feeling that Republic Squadron and the New Republic itself needed all the help it could get, Major Vistal called upon his old friend Tarvin Calaan to return to action. Despite objections from his wife, Calaan did in fact return to active duty, but had himself recommissioned as a Major instead of his old rank of Colonel so as not to interfere with Vistal's command of the squadron.
Republic Squadron would next see action at Ord Mantell, where the Yuuzhan Vong unveiled their dread weapon, forcing the New Republic forces to abandon the planet. During the First Battle of Gyndine, Republic Squadron, along with the other New Republic forces, was ordered to fall back and abandon the planet's refugees. Disobeying, direct orders, Calaan dove back into the Vong lines in an attempt to rescue seven stranded refugee transports. Instinctively, the other members of the squadron followed him, and though they suffered no casualties of their own, they only managed to save three of the seven transports. For his actions during the battle, Calaan was demoted to Commander.
Republic Squadron's founder and longtime leader, Tarvin Calaan, came out of retirement to fight alongside Republic Squadron during the height of the Yuuzhan Vong War.
Republic Squadron later participated in the First Battle of Fondor during which Vistal and Calaan were separated from the New Republic fleet and ended up fighting alongside the Hapes Consortium for the majority of the battle. Though originally presumed dead, Vistal and Calaan were able to evade the energy beam created by Centerpoint Station and rejoined the squadron soon after the battle.
After Fondor, Republic Squadron was sent to Duro, where it was assigned to the Duro Defense Force. When the Yuuzhan Vong attacked Duro in 26 ABY, the pilots of Republic Squadron fought valiantly to defend the planet's orbital cities, but the attacking Yuuzhan Vong proved too much for the defenders. Duro fell and the Duro Defense Force was wiped out, with the sole exception of Republic Squadron.
Over the course of the following few months, Republic Squadron would be involved in a pair of small but uplifting victories at Sernpidal and Talfaglio. The victories were short lived, however, as the Vong soon launched their final push towards Coruscant. When they finally did launch their assault, Republic Squadron tried in vain to defend the world. During the battle, Cody Vistal was cut off from the rest of the squadron and overwhelmed by a number of coralskippers. Despite Calaan's best effort, which nearly cost him his own life, Vistal was killed along with two other squadron pilots.
After the fall of Coruscant, Republic Squadron would take part in the recapture and valiant defense of Borleias. In the aftermath of Borleias, Republic Squadron was down to only eight members, and, as a result, Calaan asked his daughter Brin, who was also a Jedi Knight, to join the unit as a permanent member.
You need to realize that I'm acting without orders. I won't command any of you to come with me. This is a completely volunteer mission."
"Then I think I speak for all of us when I say we're in. We'll follow you to the end, Tarvin.
—Tarvin Calaan and Jarton Kinsk before the Battle of Naboo in 27 ABY
Following the defense of Borleias, the members of Republic Squadron linked up with some their old companions, namely Black Knight Squadron and the escort carrier Dagger. After grouping together, the group learned that the Vong were planning an attack on the Chommell sector, which was the location of Calaan's homeworld of Naboo. Refusing to abandon his family and lose his homeworld twice in one lifetime, Calaan, acting without orders, prepared to set off for Naboo. Refusing to let Calaan go alone, Republic Squadron pilot Jarton Kinsk volunteered to follow him to the end. The pilots of Black Knight Squadron, as well as the crew of the Dagger, soon followed suit.
Without orders, the renegade group set off for Naboo, where they linked up with the Naboo Royal Space Fighter Corps. During the ensuing Battle of Naboo, Republic Squadron and the other defenders achieved a stunning victory against the Yuuzhan Vong. News of the victory spread quickly throughout the galaxy ,and it was used throughout the New Republic as a highly effective propaganda tool. From that point on, Republic Squadron was known among the Yuuzhan Vong as the "Death Bringers." Calaan was returned to his pre-retirement rank of Colonel immediately following the battle.
From that point on, the war went differently for Republic Squadron. For the trap being set at Ebaq 9, the squadron was assigned to General Keyan Farlander's battle group. During the battle, Republic Squadron inflicted heavy casualties on the Yuuzhan Vong, and, unlike the other fighter units of Farlander's group, suffered no casualties of its own.
After the battle, Cal Omas reformed the New Republic into the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances. When asked by Galactic Alliance politicians to change Republic Squadron's name to Naboo Squadron or Alliance Squadron, Calaan refused, saying that even though the Vong had destroyed the New Republic, he and his squadron mates would always fight for the ideals which it stood for. Republic Squadron later fought during the liberation of Immalia. Because of their heroic actions during the battle, Republic Squadron would be revered on Immalia for years afterwards.
Republic Squadron would go on to take part in a series of epic battles that finally brought about an end to the war. First, they fought in the defense of Mon Calamari. Following that, they fought under Wedge Antilles of Rogue Squadron at the Battle of Corulag. Immediately after the Battle of Corulag, the squadron joined the attack on Coruscant.
During the final battle, Calaan led Lead Flight directly into the Vong lines above Muscave. Thanks to the heroic sacrifice of squadron member Ryanni Synter, Lead Flight was, with the help of other ships in the area, able to destroy an enemy Kor Chokk warship. Unfortunately for them, Three Flight, under the command of Lieutenant Zak Stargazer, also tried to break through the Vong lines but was stopped. Though Stargazer himself manged to break through, the other two members of Three Flight were killed during the attempt. Cut off from allied units, Stargazer was also killed later on in the battle. Lead and Two Flight, with the help of other fighters in the area, would go on to provide fighter cover for the Galatic Alliance capital ships around Zonama Sekot, which proved to be key in securing victory for the Alliance. After the conclusion of the battle, and with it the war, Calaan retired once more, handing command of the squadron over to longtime member Jarton Kinsk. Brin Calaan would also depart a few months later to pursue her career as a Jedi. With the greatest war they had ever faced over, Kinsk and the other two members of Republic Squadron looked forward to a period of peace.
Final years and destruction[]
In the years that followed, Kinsk rebuilt Republic Squadron and welcomed a number of new pilots, including Tarvin Calaan's two sons, into its ranks. By late 35 ABY, Republic Squadron had recovered to full strength. As a result, it was slated to be deployed to the Unknown Regions to deal with the Dark Nest Crisis. Calaan however, was opposed to the Galatic Alliance's involvement in the Unknown Regions. As a result, he encouraged his friends in the squadron to retire. Kinsk and the other two pilot from Calaan's day subsequently retired, though Calaan's own sons chose to stay. Command of the squadron was given to Commander Zhandon Narva. The time it took to transition Narva to command of the Squadron forced the unit's deployment to be delayed.
What did you do?! Where the hell is my squadron?!"
"There... there is no squadron...
—Jarton Kinsk demands to know the fate of Republic Squadron from an emotionally shaken Zhandon Narva
Republic Squadron had been stationed at Nickel One in the aftermath of the coup attempt there, but, in preperation for the upcoming battle at Tenupe, Supreme Commander Gilad Pellaeon ordered Republic Squadron to join the Galactic Alliance Fifth Fleet in the Unknown Regions. During the trip to the Unkown Regions, Republic Squadron was ordered to escort the EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigate Windstreak, which was to deliver medical supplies to the Fifth Fleet. Unbeknownst to Republic Squadron, however, was the fact that the Killiks had dicovered the location of the Alliance's hyperspace routes and had set up an ambush at Waypoint 7. During the subsequent battle, Republic Squadron was nearly annihilated, with Commander Narva and Lieutenant Dirrax Calaan as the sole survivors.
After the battle, Narva, unable to come to terms with the loss of his squadron, suffered a mental breakdown and would spend the next three years in and out of psychiatric hospitals. Dirrax Calaan, after passing a psychiatric evaluation, chose to stay in the military, much to the dismay of his parents. In light of the overwhelming casualties suffered during the ambush, as well as the fact that its commanding officer had suffered a mental collapse, the Galactic Alliance chose to officially decommission the famed Republic Squadron a few days after the end of the Swarm War.
Legacy[]
Despite its near destruction and subsequent decommissioning during the Swarm War, Republic Squadron's legacy would live on. Many former members of Republic Squadron would also go on to fight alongside Tarvin Calaan and the Jedi Coalition during the Second Galactic Civil War in 41 ABY. By the time of the Sith-Imperial War, exactly one hundred years after Republic Squadron's main period of operation, the squadron's exploits during the Battle of Naboo were still being taught to Galactic Alliance starfighter pilots as a way of defending a position when the enemy has greater strength.
Known members[]
Republic Squadron in action during the Second Battle of Manaan in 10 ABY.
- Tarvin Calaan
- Cody Vistal
- Nien Nuvv
- Vyalla Serru
- Zak Stargazer
- Jarton Kinsk
- Trent Ulgo
- Ryanni Synter
- Gax Reedo
- Arto Reedo
- Brin Calaan
- Larena Vaal Calaan (briefly)
- Dirrax Calaan
- Nerric Calaan
- Zhandon Narva
- Taysha Wellz
Behind the scenes[]
Republic Squadron was created by author Tarvin Calaan, whom the character of the same name was named after, for use on Star Wars Fanon, the Wikia Star Wars wiki of fan invention. The squadron, as well as a number of its exploits, are based upon the canon stories about Rogue Squadron and its missions. As Calaan stated, he developed and eventually created the story of Republic Squadron to show what other starfighter squadrons may have been doing while Rogue Squadron was becoming famous.
Along with the story, the author also created the logo for the squadron. The design was created by combining the emblems of the New Republic starbird and the symbol of the Old Republic Navy.[1]
