Bandit Squadron
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Bandit Squadron was a squadron of Z-95 Headhunters that was deployed by the Mon Calamari Star Cruiser Liberty.
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[edit] Formation of the squadron
Because of the covert nature of the mission, it was deemed necessary to conceal Alliance involvement, thus starfighters less closely associated with the Rebels than X-wings, Y-wings, B-wings, or A-wings were chosen. The Z-95 was considered an appropriate craft.
Armed with ion pulse warheads, the Z-95s of Bandit Squadron were able to disable a modified Escort transport in addition to examples of a TIE Warhead and a TIE BigGun.
In light of its existence as a cover, it might be presumed that Bandit Squadron was disbanded immediately following this mission. However, because of the success of this mission in both securing the prototypes and concealing the involvement of the Alliance, Bandit Squadron found a further role as the covert operations unit operating from the Liberty.
[edit] Subsequent activities
The squadron again played a key role after the destruction of the Rebel supply center on Gal Minor. With the loss of critical munitions freighters, the Alliance was urgently requiring an alternative means of supplying their fleets massing at Sullust immediately prior to the Battle of Endor. Lando Calrissian provided a list of trading contacts in the sector, of which the most influential was the entrepreneur and casino owner Dunari.
Ace Azzameen and a wingmate reprised their roles as members of Bandit squadron by escorting a Muurian transport named Saloon that was carrying delegates to a clandestine meeting with Dunari aboard his SoroSuub Personal Luxury Yacht 3000, the Raw Deal.
The meeting was interrupted, however, by the arrival of the pirate Marauder Corvette Vulture and its accompanying Toscan 8-Q starfighter group Fury, and Y-wing group Pirate.
Bandit squadron fought off this threat, and permitted the Saloon and Raw Deal to dock. Unfortunately, the pirates were not the only unwelcome interlopers - shortly after, the Imperial Long Range Scout Craft Omicron 023 arrived in the system, closely followed by the Imperial II-class Star Destroyer Corrupter. The Corrupter launched starfighters to attack the docked craft, however, the meeting was hastily adjourned and both Dunari and the Rebel delegates were able to escape into hyperspace, with Bandit Squadron covering their retreat.
Later, Rebel analysts concluded that the use of Bandit Squadron Z-95s had allowed the Alliance presence at the meeting to be hidden from the Corrupter's captain, Garreth Holtz. Once again, the covert Bandit ruse had proved its worth.
[edit] Known pilots
- Ace Azzameen - Bandit 1
