Typhoon Squadron

Typhoon Squadron is a VIP Escort squadron attached to Wing X of the ISD Challenge. Having been closed since 2009, it was re-opened on April 17, 2023 as part of the Battlegroup Expansion that saw the traditional Infiltrator Wing squadrons moved off of the Challenge and back onboard the MC90 Renegade.

History

Origins

Typhoon Squadron was originally opened around December 1995, initially onboard the VSD Ravager along with Thunder Squadron, before being relocated to the ISD Challenge and the newly opened Wing V (soon to be renamed to Wing X) around January 1996, alongside the other traditional squadrons of the ship: Inferno Squadron, Tornado Squadron, Cyclone Squadron, and Tempest Squadron. Its original designated squadron objective was Long Range Support.

GN Weston is recorded as its first commander. Other early commanders include BG Ace, BG Jim Hutchinson, BG Ice, and GN Big Earl.

Rise to Prominence

Going into February 1998, Typhoon Squadron was commanded by BG IG-88. But his command was taken away from him as an outcome of a case against him held by the High Court of Inquisitors. His replacement was a member of Cyclone Squadron, BG Maverick.

Maverick's appointment marked the beginning of Typhoon's rise as one of the preeminent squadrons in the TIE Corps, most notably aided by the arrival of the most prominent pilot in Typhoon's history: Callista. A talented and active pilot from the start, Callista was soon officially appointed Flight Leader of Flight 2. Unofficially, she also served as the squadron's training officer, responsible for helping new arrivals find their place, as well as coaching up her fellow squadron members on best tips and tricks for maximizing performance in competitions.

Upon Maverick's appointment as the new Wing Commander for Wing X, Callista was appointed as the new Squadron Commander of Typhoon, kicking off a two-year stint that would long be remembered as the golden age of the squadron. Callista led the squadron into a new era of dominance, fostering a culture of highly competitive pilots that were proud to be members of such a successful squadron, and were not shy about sharing that opinion with others!

One of the many competitions won during this era included "Cantina Run II", which awarded the victorious squadron the new role of VIP Escort. Typhoon has remained in this designation ever since, a fitting honor to the pilots of Typhoon Squadron from this era, and one that continues to inspire and push future generations of the squadron to live up to their example.

This era was also noted for a number of shore leave excursions (in-person meetings) organized by Callista, which were infamous to both attendees and those who only heard the tales second or third hand.

During this time, Typhoon became a breeding for many of the soon-to-be legends of the Challenge, such as Mell, Oldham, and, later on, Elwood the Brave.

A month after reaching her two year point, having just been awarded BGCOM Pilot of the Year, Callista opted to step down from her position. She left the position having accomplished everything a squadron commander and pilot could possibly do, including being awarded the Medal of Honor. She left behind a legacy, an active squadron, and an enormous shadow over future commanders who would try to take her place.

Post-Callista Era

Daisuke Airyu, a member of Cyclone Squadron, was tasked with filling the enormous void left in the wake of Callista's departure. A well-liked officer among members of the Challenge and the fleet at large, he nevertheless struggled to keep many of the Typhoon stalwarts, who bristled at the commander of an outsider. Changing the long-standing Typhoon Flight 1 nickname to a personal preference over something of historical significance did not endear him to the old guard, and the level of activity and performance slipped from the standards of old.

By the time of his departure, the squadron had dropped off dramatically. Charged with resuscitating Typhoon Squadron was Commander Triji Boliv of Inferno Squadron. Aided in this effort was an influx of Typhoon veterans, including a return of Callista herself. This created an immediate boost to squadron performance and morale, but it was a short-term fix, as soon many of those veterans became disinterested in returning to service on a regular basis.

Faced with a decision to leave or institute dramatic change, Boliv opted for the latter, ultimately removing many of the inactive veterans, but providing opportunity for new, enthusiastic pilots to rise to the occasion. It was during this period that Coranel Both and Ponda Jarret served as Flight Leaders for the squadron. And some old-timers did remain, such as Elwood the Brave, who continued to provide a stabilizing force to the squadron.

Promoted up to Lieutenant Colonel for his success in steadying Typhoon, Boliv decided to step away, leaving his unofficial executive officer Ponda Jarret to take over the squadron. But this period of relative stability was soon to be revealed as a temporary respite.

Closure

Ponda Jarret was tasked with commanding Typhoon at a time that would later be seen as the start of a relative decline for the Emperor's Hammer. The squadron was stable but slowly decreased in size and prominence. He was promoted up to Major for his service to the squadron, but after six months opted to return to a position of Flight Member in the squadron. His replacement from within the squadron, Captain Badlan, served three months before leaving the fleet.

Typhoon found itself with significantly diminished numbers, and in danger of closure. In an effort to save the squadron, Wing Commander Sephiroth turned to its longest standing member, Commander Elwood the Brave.

It was a wise choice, but the time of decline was well-upon the fleet. There were no new cadets coming in, and the veterans that had once raised the squadron back up did not return the call a second time. There were no easy solutions, and neither Sephiroth, now Rear Admiral and Commodore, nor his replacement, Major Frey Gallandro, could offer Elwood any solutions.

In time, Elwood found himself the only member left of Typhoon Squadron. With no options left, Elwood transferred to Inferno Squadron, and in honor of his long-time service, Rear Admiral Sephiroth promoted him to Major.

Typhoon Squadron, however, found itself closed for the first time.

Return and New Glories

Squadron closures had become a normal reality during this era of the Emperor's Hammer, but something far worse was about to strike: ship closures. The Challenge, even with a closed squadron, was in a relatively healthy state compared to other ships in the fleet. The same could not be said for the Immortal, which had seen a regular rotation of Squadron Commander vacancies and suffered its own squadron closures.

The decision was made to close Wing XI, and move any remaining pilots to different squadrons on other ships. As the commander of one of the remaining active squadrons, Ghost Squadron, Commander Coranel Both was given the choice to move his pilots to any other squadron in the fleet. His choice was clear: Typhoon Squadron.

And so Typhoon Squadron was reopened, populated by members of the shuttered Ghost Squadron. Seemingly overnight, Typhoon went from being mothballed to suddenly becoming one of the most active squadrons on the ship, given new life by the newest arrivals to the Challenge.

In honor of his successful work as commander of Typhoon Squadron, Coranel Both was elevated to the Wing Commander position for Wing X. Commander DirtyVader, another veteran of Ghost Squadron and future Challenge legend in his own right, was initially given command, before he decided to swap squadrons and take over Inferno Squadron.

In his place, Captain Fritz Von Stukart, a vetrean of Thunder Squadron, was appointed as the new Typhoon Squadron commander.

Second Closure

Former Squadron Commanders

COL Callista
GN Coranel Both
GN Domi
GN Elwood the Brave
CM Saul Rostek