Nomad Squadron
From Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki.
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| Nomad Squadron | |
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| General information | |
| Founding |
Several months after the Battle of Yavin |
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Nomad Squadron was one of the oldest starfighter squadrons that served with the Alliance to Restore the Republic.
[edit] History
The squadron was formed several months after the Battle of Yavin and was originally composed of RZ-1 A-wing interceptors. Throughout its service, Nomad Squadron became famous for its pilots' ability to man just about any fightercraft, at all times.
Decades after its formation, Nomad Squadron participated in the Yuuzhan Vong War, being stationed onboard the MC80B Star Cruiser Allegiant in the Meridian Sector. Their commander at the time was Captain Bren Tarrik.
While less well-known that Rogue Squadron or Wraith Squadron, the Nomads were one of the Rebel Alliance’s first full squadrons, formed after the Battle of Yavin initially as a force for reconnaissance missions and hit-and-fade strikes.
In the early days of Nomad Squadron, the group was almost completely composed of A-Wings, but as the rebellion against the Empire continued Nomad pilots were cross-trained on almost every fighter craft in the Alliance arsenal. By the end of the Emperor’s rule, it had become a point of honor among Nomad Squadron that their pilots could fly anything, anywhere, anytime.
In the age of the New Jedi Order, the versatility of the squadron was reflected in their flight line aboard the star cruiser Allegiant, with X-Wing space superiority fighters parked alongside A-Wing interceptors and B-Wing attack ships. Under the command of Captain Tarrik, the Nomads became an exceptional fighting force, often performing missions on the ground as well as in space.
[edit] Behind the Scenes
The original draft of the feature On Wings of Rogues also included the following information on three members of Nomad Squadron, although this was cut from the final version:
Captain Bren Tarrik, Nomad Leader – A hero of the New Republic, Tarrik fought at the Battle of Endor under Tycho Celchu and earned himself a posting to the Nomads. After a steady rise through the ranks, Bren has found his place as commander of the squadron, still delighting in the pure joy of piloting after years behind the stick.
Sed Nilla, Nomad Two – A former smuggler, Nilla lost his ship in the war against the Empire and joined the Rebellion. After many years, the Duros has risen to a place of respect and honor in Nomad Squadron, although many of his wingmates still tease him about his illicit past. A talented pilot, Nilla still lacks the instinct of a true starfighter ace, too hesitant to take the risks that win the day.
Colonel Alask Vrei, Allegiant Commanding Officer – Tarrik’s direct superior, Vrei is a former Twi’lek baron cast into poverty when his holdings were seized by clan power-struggle instigated by the Emperor. Discovering he had a talent for starship tactics, Vrei offered his services to the Rebel Alliance and has been decorated several times for courage under fire. Outwardly aloof and cool, as captain of the Allegiant, he thinks of his crew as his ‘subjects’ and considers it his duty to protect them from harm, but he’s not above playing hardball with them if they get out of line; his command style is best described as ‘harsh but fair’.
