Revision as of 20:06, 7 January 2009

History

The 7th Imperial Fleet is one the newer fleet in the Imperial Navy to date and has been established after the latest Navy reform. Prior to the creation of the 7IF there was a rather large influx of new recruits wanting to join the Empire. Both, this influx and the IHC's wish to restructure the Imperial Navy, contributed to the creation of a new fleet: the Seventh Imperial Fleet, commonly known as the 7IF.

LTCMDR Corwyn, who earned his spurs in the First Imperial Fleet, emerged as a suitable candidate for the post of CO and was appointed by FADM Slicer to this post. LTCMDR Corwyn chose his staff based on past experience and chose both senior enlisted and officers whom he deemed as suitable for the job. His choice was based on past experience with these prospects. In the end ENS Saretti was appointed CoS at LTCMDR Corwyn's request. LT Jenru, a veteran Imperial himself, was appointed XO by the NHC. The ranks of the fleet were supplemented by several senior enlisted, who helped to establish the 7th as a fully functional fleet. VADM Rob was assigned the post of Fleet Admiral to oversee the smooth launch of the 7IF. During his last days as admiral he commended the work of LTCMDR Corwyn and said: “It's good to know that the fleet is in such good hands.” VADM Rob retired shortly thereafter.

Both the experience of the command staff, as well as the dedication of the new members of the 7IF were both crucial factors in establishing the fleet as quickly as it was. This effort was rewarded by the NHC with a FoM-award. It was during this period that the 7th established a preliminary command post in the Jumus system. This post's primary function was the coordination of the Scylla involvement of the fleet, but it soon became evident that this simple command post has grown beyond its initial purpose. Jumus is now considered as the fleet's HQ and main garrison.

Since then the 7th has seen several recruits, pilots and officers pass through its roster, either moving on to different assignments, being discharged honourably or simply defecting. Currently the 7IF has a steady roster of pilots and officers. LTCMDR Carvalm was one of the notable additions to the 7th, who, upon his return to Imperial service, assumed the position of Adviser to the Fleet, thus supplementing Fleet Command and adding his experience to the fleet.

Scope of Operations

Mission overview

Missions of the 7IF include, among others, typical Navy missions:

• System Scanning/Patrol
• Planet (Atmosphere) Scanning/Patrol
• City Scanning/Patrol
• Arrest/Execution
• Material Hauling
• Facility construction / recycling
• NPC/passenger Transport
• System Invasion
• System Defence

The NHC and in extension IHC determines the type of missions fleets are engaged in. The 7IF has been participating in several missions so far, and continues to perform its duty in the Empire.

Completed and running assignments

• Tax Planet: Scylla

The 7IF was heavily involved in the Scylla-project and its contribution to the success has been recognised as integral. The strong presence of the 7th added to the force the Empire displayed at Scylla, which in turn rebuked the feeble attempt of enemy forces to disrupt the completion of this important tax planet.

• Tax Planet: Tarorasuil

After completion of Scylla the 7IF joined the effort on Tarorasuil to complete this tax planet. The 7th also arranged planet-wide NPC pick-up for the MoO.

• Operation: Spearhead

The 7IF participated in a coordinated battle simulation which aimed at evaluating possible strategies for space combat.

• Classified and Solo Missions

Apart from regular duty members of the 7IF participate regularly in select missions for the IHC/NHC. The nature of those missions varies but can not be disclosed. Suffice to say that the 7th has been held in great esteem for those efforts.

• 1st Assault Force

The current emphasis of the NHC lies on readiness of its fleets. Hence joint operations between the Army and the Navy are being conducted in order to explore the different option in inter-branch operations.

Pilot training and simulation

As one of the newer fleets in the Navy the 7IF was equipped with cutting edge technology and outfitted with the most sophisticated means of pilot training. The most noteworthy and likely most sophisticated facility is the BattleSim. It allows for simulation of battle conditions for newer pilots who did not see combat yet. It has several settings and can basically emulate all desired conditions, ranging from simple scanning missions to coordinated attack runs.

Aboard its flagship, the Chimera, the 7IF has access to a VTF, a visual training facility, which can create all kinds of scenarios for pilots and command staff. This facility has already seen some action in the form of “Functional Naval Ingenuity Exercises”. A series of tests and exercises aimed at heightening the pilots awareness and solution-oriented thinking. In addition the VTF does provide several other programs. Among them are automated and guided tutorials for new pilots, or refresher courses for senior members of the fleet.

Structure and Equipment of the 7IF

Similar to other fleets of the Navy the 7th is structured into squadrons and assault groups. All squadrons report directly to Fleet Command, which in turn reports to Navy High Command. The regular rooster of the 7IF is composed of pilots and officers, both on active duty, carrying out the Emperor's orders. In addition to this staff the 7IF has a whole contingent of engineers and technicians at its disposal for the purpose of keeping the equipment battle-ready.

Like all other fleets the 7IF possesses a flag ship, in the case of the 7th it's the Chimera, one of the Empire's ISDs. The fleet's other armament consists of a large number of various fighter squadrons, attack and support vessels. While not in active service those crafts are stationed in various strategical positions in order to ensure quick deployment when needed.

Notable ex-serviceman and women of the 7IF

VADM Rob – Involved as Fleet Admiral during the initial stages of the fleet's creation. Retired shorty thereafter.

LTCMDR Carvalm – A veteran Imperial who re-joined the Empire after working on several missions outside the jurisdiction of the Empire. His current status is RESERVE.

LT Jenru – A seasoned veteran of the Empire, whose career spanned several years and surely left a mark on the 7th. His experience as a pilot was and likely still is unrivalled. After passing his experience onto the younger pilots and thus helping to forge the fleet's own senior staff, he took a less active role in the Imperial Navy and asked subsequently for a transfer to RESERVE.

Banner and Motto

In contrast to many units in the Empire, which carry a motto and fly their colours, the 7IF does not so. The main reason is that members of the 7IF rather rely on their reputation, which precedes them, then on displaying fanciful insignia.

See also

• Fleets
• Imperial Navy
• Second Imperial Legion