Tarkin's task force was an Imperial Navy task force created for the Salient Campaign, initiated as the Galactic Empire attempted to bring the autonomous Salient system under Imperial authority by Moff Wilhuff Tarkin. When Tarkin's flagship, the Imperial I-class Star Destroyer Executrix arrived in the star system which was increasingly hostile towards the Imperial presence, Moff Tarkin requested reinforcements from the battle group at Telos under Admiral Utu. Tarkin's task force eventually emerged victorious and brought the system to heel.
Description
Tarkin's task force was an Imperial Navy task force led by Moff Wilhuff Tarkin. The task force consisted of the Imperial I-class Star Destroyer Executrix and bolstered by at least two Venator-class Star Destroyers from a battle group at Telos, including Admiral Utu's ship. The Venators additionally carried squadrons of ARC-170 starfighters, and additional starfighter units included multiple fighter wings. The task force additionally made use of screening blockades and patrol forces, as well as stormtrooper ground forces.[1]
History
An escalating matter at Salient
The Executrix was the flagship of Tarkin's task force.
In 17 BBY,[2] the autonomous Salient system under the Salient Strategic Command, resisted an attempt by the Galactic Empire to assert its control over the star system after Moff Tarkin chased insurgents in the system with his Star Destroyer Executrix. The system, having been warned in time on the imminent Imperial invasion, soon began preparing defenses and jamming communications. As a result, Tarkin requested Admiral Utu to reinforce him with any assets she could spare. Two Venators, including Utu in her ship, were dispatched and engaged insurgents above Salient II. After Salient II's capitulation and increasing Imperial control, Utu's forces launched an assault on Salient One with ground forces.[1]
Eventually, Imperial forces located insurgent resupply points and Tarkin ordered Utu and her ship to destroy one such encampment located under a rock wall. The bombardment was precise, and Utu's rummage droids located the remains of the insurgents, including the injured Has Obitt, a Salient commander, who was airlifted to the Executrix. Soon after, the Salient Campaign ended with an Imperial victory.[1]
Commanders and crew
The task force was under the command of Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, who served as the task force admiral. Admiral Utu, commanded her units as part of the task force. Other officers included the executive officer of the Executrix, and Tarkin's adjutant. Other commanders had authority over ground forces.[1]
Behind the scenes
Tarkin's task force debuted in the canon 2016 novel by James Luceno Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel.[1]
Appearances
- Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel (and audiobook) (First appearance)