The First Imperial Navy Tournament (ING)

Imperial News Grid - The First Imperial Navy Tournament

Posted by: Daelis Stanov on Year 14 Day 223

Coruscant (IIS) - Traffic in the Coruscant system begins to return to normal today after the conclusion of the First Imperial Navy Tournament. During the last month, the characteristically heavily fortified Coruscant system saw a spectacular increase in the number of military warships beyond the norm as the Navy undertook training exercises in the Empire`s home system. Aside from a demonstration of military force, the tournament was designed to find the best fighter squadron and ship captains within their respective divisions of the largest military branch in the known universe.

Those chosen as the best from their Sector Fleet converged upon the Coruscant system for the month of games, hoping to prove that they were worthy of being called elite amongst their peers. The opening ceremonies kicked off with a parade of the most tactically advanced vessels in the galaxy. The tournament was divided into two fields of competition, Starfighter Squadron Tactics and Capital Command. For those involved, the two events put to test years of rigorous training and combat exercises for the chance to prove themselves at this once in a lifetime opportunity.

For the past month, local authorities warned of several commercial lanes being appropriated for military use. Civilian traffic was still permitted, but was diverted away from the location of the exercises. Multiple squadrons of TIE/in Interceptors were recorded performing dangerous maneuvers along the hulls of haulers and capital ships at only a few meters distance. Carrack-class Light Cruisers engaged the fighters as an obstacle to be wary of during the dog fights. Naval tactical specialists unveiled the latest rendition of the Simulated Tactical Interface and Navigation Grid (STING) for these war games. Developed by the Imperial Navy Department of Training to help replicate combat in a safe environment for both personnel and equipment, Naval Leadership indicated this program would analyze the tactics used during the tournament with the intent to add it to the Imperial Academy Curriculum in the future. Statistics gathered during the competition show the latest version of STING to have 12% more accuracy and 15% more sensitivity than previous versions of firmware.

Organizer of the Imperial Navy Tournament and Commanding Officer of the host First Imperial Fleet, Captain James Hudson, concluded the First Imperial Navy Tournament in a ceremony aboard a Victory Star Destroyer. The event was attended by various dignitaries from across the Empire including Lord Admiral Ascarion. Before the awards were given, the Lord Admiral commended the excellent skills of the pilots and commanders participating in the tournament. Drawing the tournament to a close, Captain Hudson presented the tournament champions with the newly instated Blackrain Trophy and Titan Cup.

For those that never get to experience combat in action, this contest demonstrated awe-inspiring moments that demonstrate why the Galactic Empire possesses the most fearsome Navy in the galaxy. Commander Stones fought a long and arduous battle, and ultimately emerged as the victor from the fray to receive the title of Capital Command Champion. In recognition of his achievement, the Commander was presented the Titan Cup. Sergeant Feri was the commander of the Starfighter Championship Squadron and was presented with the coveted Blackrain Trophy. Praised for excellent tactics and the ability to out maneuver her fellow pilots, Feri`s squadron eliminated all their opponents with a combination of precision and grace that will be talked about for years to come.

The Titan Cup, recognizing the most distinguished Capital Ship Commander to have participated in the Tournament, was presented to Commander Jorn Stones.

The Blackrain Trophy, recognizing the premier Starfighter Squadron commander to have participated in the Tournament, was presented to Flight Sergeant Jaria Feri.

Once again the Imperial Navy has displayed why it is the Sword and Shield of the Empire. Through training, skill, discipline and superiority it will rout foes to maintain and uphold the values of the New Order.