Specter Squadron (Rebel Alliance)

For other uses, see Specter Squadron.

Specter Squadron was an Alliance Y-wing starfighter squadron that fought against the Galactic Empire during the Galactic Civil War. Specter Squadron was stationed at Renforra Base prior to the Battle of Yavin and was commanded by Jon "Dutch" Vander before he was reassigned to lead Gold Squadron on Yavin 4.

History

Specter Squadron was a starfighter unit serving the Alliance to Restore the Republic during the Galactic Civil War.^[1] The squadron was composed of Y-wing starfighters that were painted gray with white trim. The squadron's Y-wings produced a green exhaust from their maneuvering jets.^[2]

Prior to the Battle of Yavin, Specter Squadron was stationed at Renforra Base. Jon "Dutch" Vander led the squadron,^[3] piloting the Y-wing designated as "Specter 1."^[1] Vander was eventually transferred to Yavin Base where he was placed in command of Gold Squadron. He continued to wear a flight helmet that proudly displayed Specter Squadron's emblem.^[3]

Organization

Specter Squadron's emblem was a stylized black shape with a central yellow section resembling an iris, overlaid on a grey cloud. Pilots in the squadron, such as its commanding officer Jon "Dutch" Vander, had the emblem painted on their flight helmets.^[3] Specter Squadron was outfitted with Y-wings,^[2] which Vander preferred to fly over other starfighters.^[3] Vander was killed by Darth Vader while attempting to launch proton torpedoes into the thermal exhaust port of the Galactic Empire's Death Star during the Battle of Yavin.^[4]

Support Services pilot Grizz Frix also displayed the Specter Squadron emblem on his helmet when flying Red Five with Red Squadron in during the Battle of Endor.^[5] Frix died while engaging an Imperial Star Destroyer at point blank range during the engagement.^[6]

Behind the scenes

Specter Squadron was first referenced in the Premiere Unlimited base set for Decipher's Star Wars Customizable Card Game^[7] released in December 1995.^[8] The squadron was featured in the flavor text on the cards Dutch^[3] and Gold 1.^[1] Specter Squadron was later represented by a miniature in the initial release of the Star Wars PocketModel TCG.^[2]

The flavor text on the Dutch card indicates that the black shape with the yellow eye emerging from a gray cloud shape is the emblem of Specter Squadron.^[3] This emblem is unique to Dutch at the time of the Battle of Yavin, while other symbols on his helmet are used by other pilots not associated with his former squadron—including Jek Porkins and Tiree. In Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, the Specter emblem is visible on Grizz Frix's helmet, indicating his membership of Specter Squadron at some point.^[5]