Phoenix Cell

Phoenix Cell, also known as Phoenix rebel cell, Phoenix fleet, Phoenix Group, and sometimes referred to as Phoenix Squadron, was one of the largest rebel cells that became part of the Alliance to Restore the Republic and fought against the Galactic Empire during the early rebellion that preceded the Galactic Civil War. The cell was led by Commander Jun Sato and was allied with Senator Bail Organa, as part of Organa's efforts to coordinate the activities of the various rebel cells that opposed Imperial rule. It had a number of members and had a fleet comprised of CR90 corvettes and RZ-1 A-wing interceptors. Its command ship was the Phoenix Home until it was destroyed in an attack carried out by Darth Vader in 4 BBY.

Phoenix Cell took part in numerous missions and skirmishes against the Empire between 4 BBY and 2 BBY, including the Blockade of Ibaar, the Battle of Garel, and various encounters with Grand Admiral Thrawn of the Empire's Seventh Fleet. During a mission to Ryloth, the cell was aided by the Free Ryloth Movement as they stole an Imperial command cruiser that became the new Phoenix command ship, Phoenix Nest. In 3 BBY, Phoenix Squadron established Chopper Base on Atollon as its base of operations.

The cell joined the Rebel Alliance in 2 BBY after the Spectres, a group of Phoenix rebels led by Phoenix Leader Hera Syndulla, helped to protect Senator Mon Mothma after she spoke out against the Empire. The cell planned to attack Lothal and liberate it from Imperial rule with the help of Massassi Group, but Thrawn discovered Chopper Base and mounted a massive attack against the Rebels. Phoenix Squadron was left decimated, and those who survived the attack joined with Massassi Group at the Rebel Alliance headquarters on Yavin 4.

Text and facts from the “Phoenix Cell” article on Wookieepedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Modified for this site.