The 173rd Battle Group: A Brief History
Creation and Uneasy Beginning (November 2930):
The 173rd Battle Group of the United Empire of Earth Navy was established in late 2930, during a period of heightened tensions between the UEE and various pirate factions that had begun to proliferate in the outer colonies. Originally conceived as a rapid-response unit to counteract the increasing threat of piracy and Vanduul incursions, the formation of the 173rd was marked by internal skepticism. Many in the higher echelons of the UEE Navy doubted the necessity of a new battle group, believing existing forces could handle the situation. Nevertheless, the pressing need to ensure the safety of trade routes and outer settlements forced the Navy to act.
Notable Points in History:
First Engagement and Trials (2931):
The 173rd’s inaugural deployment quickly turned critical when they encountered a notorious pirate group, The Bloodhounds, raiding cargo ships near the Pyro system. The engagement showcased the group’s struggles with coordination and communication. However, their ability to adapt quickly under pressure ultimately led to a significant victory, proving their worth to the fleet.
Commanders and the Sacrifice of Admiral Thorne (2934):
One of the most pivotal moments came under the command of Admiral Evelyn Thorne. During a mission to intercept a Vanduul raid on an unarmed civilian convoy, Thorne made the ultimate sacrifice. After realizing that her forces would not be able to protect the convoy without substantial losses, she ordered her flagship, the UEES Foresight, to engage the enemy head-on while directing the convoy to safety. Her ship was lost, but her decisive actions ensured the evacuation of over 5,000 civilians and earned her a posthumous commendation.
“Courage Through Sacrifice”
Inspired by Admiral Evelyn Thorne’s ultimate sacrifice to save civilians, this motto highlights the bravery and selflessness that the members of the 173rd Battle Group embody, reminding them of their duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves. This motto was officially declared the 173rd’s unit motto in 2939 on the 5 year anniversary of her sacrifice.
Operation Silence the Storm (2940):
In a concerted effort to clamp down on piracy, the 173rd led a multi-fleet operation combining forces with the 6th Fleet to assault several pirate strongholds in the Stanton system. The operation was a success and eliminated several key pirate leaders, significantly degrading the Bloodhounds’ operational capacity. However, it also drew criticism for its collateral damage, raising questions about the UEE Navy’s tactics in dealing with piracy.
Rebuilding and modernization (2941-2943):
Following Operation Silence the Storm, the 173rd underwent a significant overhaul. New ships were added to the fleet, including state-of-the-art Polaris corvette’s and updated Idris-class frigates. This modernization pushed the group into a new era of technological advantages and operational efficiency, readying them for future threats.
Anti-Piracy and Humanitarian Missions (2944-2945):
The 173rd Battle Group has recently refocused its mission towards anti-piracy operations and humanitarian efforts. Operating out of Castra, they have conducted multiple successful interceptions of pirate convoys and have assisted in humanitarian aid missions, delivering supplies to strife-torn worlds affected by the aftermath of Vanduul raids.
Current Status (2945-Present):
Now, as of 2955, the 173rd Battle Group is on high alert, preparing for operations in the Nyx system in response to increasing Vanduul raid activity. The battle group is currently led by Rear Admiral Marcus Jett, a seasoned officer known for his strategic brilliance and commitment to the safety of UEE civilians. Training exercises are ramping up with collaborations from the 2nd Fleet, focusing on the symbiotic relationship between combat engagement and humanitarian response.
With the UEE Navy facing the specter of escalating threats from the Vanduul, the 173rd Battle Group finds itself at a critical crossroads, weighing the importance of combat preparedness against its commitment to protect and aid human lives within the UEE.