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.

Second Closure

Former Squadron Commanders

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