From the Desk of Silwar Naiilo

Hard to believe it's already been an entire year, but here we are: it's my anniversary as COM, days after the anniversary of the Challenge being recommissioned on June 28, two years ago, under High Admiral Dempsey. When I first came out of retirement - a few months before that - I said that I wasn't interested in a leadership position whatsoever. I had reactivated upon hearing that Star Wars Squadrons was to be released, and wanted to fly with like-minded individuals and see whether the TIE Corps was what I remembered from fifteen years ago. It wasn't long before my own kids (and the reason I went into retirement in the first place - I left when my oldest was born, and now she's a teenager) were interested in joining, and it made sense to lead their flight; so when Tempest Squadron reopened and there was enough room, we all migrated back to my first ship, the Challenge. GN Dunta Polo decided to step back from the commander position, and I, a little more confident, took the spot in what would become one of the most highly decorated squadrons in the fleet. A year later, when HA Dempsey said that it was time to step back as commodore, the position I'd always dreamed of opened up - and I jumped at the opportunity to lead the finest ship in the Emperor's Hammer TIE Corps.

Since then, the ISDII Challenge has retaken its historic role as the Flagship of the TIE Corps. She and all of her squadrons have performed excellently in every competition from Imperial Storm to ReMob and Raise the Flag. This is due to the incredible pilots, flight leaders, and commanders that use their free time to create an environment in which everyone can flourish - making the fleet strong and securing our place in the galaxy. The Challenge has always been a peerless ship, and this last year was proof that her history was not just a legacy or a memory of what-had-been, but built into the very nature of what we are. We push hard into every situation, no matter the odds, and we are victorious.

Thank you all for making this experience what it should be. On Challenge day and every other day, I salute you.

We had seven entries for Moving Day, which has completed as of yesterday. Pilots submitted about 45 pages of fiction, and each one was enjoyable in their own way - and I hope the authors choose to share their work! I am pleased to announce the winners:

1. CM Jack Wynand with the entry "Long Reach", a screenplay about using the MC-40 Cougar to make an attack on a rebel base. For this entry, he will receive an IS-GR.
2. LT Atashi Rain with the entry "Moving Day", a story about a pilot's first days on the MC-40 Veiled Flight, and her thoughts about the future of the battlegroup. For this entry, she will receive an IS-SR.
2. It's a tie! LC Honsou with the entry "Something Fowl", a pun-filled story about retrofitting the MC-40 Bawkwurst to fit the starfighters of Firebird and Eagle. For this entry, he will also receive an IS-SR.
3. COL Triji Boliv, with the entry "Moving Day - Battle Plot", a descriptive and clear recipe for creating a battle in TIE, XvT, or XWA. In this battle, Firebird and Eagle squadrons capture their prize, an MC-40 later named Roost. For this entry, he will receive an IS-BR.

Additional entries were submitted by CM Cupcake and GN Stryker, who will receive IS-CRs for their excellent entries.

A new survey will go out soon which will include a vote for the new ship name. While this isn't a democracy (we are Imperials, after all), my decision will be influenced by a clear winner.

Challenge COMeversary: Bartending Duty has also ended, a competition to create a drink to be served at VA Silwar Naiilo's anniversary party. Pilots were asked to submit a recipe, picture, or drawing. All entrants received VIP tickets into the party, and breakfast the next morning. We had 13 entries ranging from single-line comments to fully written backstories and descriptions. The winners are:

1. CPT Xylo Pethtel, with the Prime Hosnian Highball
2. CM Drummer "the Gunner" Nate, with The Infiltrator
3. CPT TheBlackxRanger, with Like A Bantha

Other entries will be added to the Challenge Bartending Manual category on the wiki after I nurse this hangover. Notably, VA Marenta had the only negative score, with a drink entirely composed of Peppermint Schnapps, Fireball Whiskey, and regret.

Squadron ReMobilization marches on, and we're now at the halfway mark. Tempest has about 50% completion overall, and all five Challenge squadrons have made progress towards their goals. The prize at the end includes the ability to change the squadron goals and ship types for each flights - including the newly introduced TIE Punisher.

A trio of Lieutenants were promoted this week: LT Constellation Hoshiteru of Thunder Squadron, who was recruited by CPR Richlet, and Lieutenants Kertron Seven and CapukkiOne of Tempest Squadron, both recruited by LC Honsou. LC Graf D'Jinn has chosen to step back as Commander of Eagle Squadron and into a Flight Member position. CM Drummer "The Gunner" Nate has taken his mantle as Commander of Eagle Squadron, and has chosen two Flight Leaders: CM SirCaleb and CM Cupcake. Congratulations to all, and best wishes to Graf as he gives all of his paperwork to Drummer to complete and gets a rest.

Ship Stats

• Missions completed: 340
• Reviews submitted: 66
• LoCs earned: 175
• LoSs earned: 339

Promotions

• SL -> LT Constellation Hoshiteru
• SL -> LT Kertron Seven
• SL -> LT CapukkiOne

Medals

Combat Ratings Advancements

PvP Rating Advancements

• CM Drummer The Gunner Nate: Marksman 1st
• LT jospence: Officer 4th
• LT Tiberius Duck: Trainee
• CPT Xylo Pethtel: Veteran 2nd
• LCM Newt: Marksman 3rd

Co-Op Rating Advancements

• CM SirCaleb: Private 1st
• LT Atashi Rain: Private 3rd, Private 4th
• CPT Jaxx Nassin: Ranger 1st
• COL Triji Boliv: Gunner's Mate 1st, Gunner's Mate 2nd
• CM Ryuzokin: Gunner's Mate 4th
• LT Tiberius Duck: Beginner
• MAJ Kalve Ryder: Master Ranger 2nd
• LT Kertron Seven: Beginner
• CPT Morgoth: Gunner's Mate 2nd

Competitions

Activity for VA Silwar Naiilo

Communication:

Email, Discord

Flight Activity:

Squadrons PvP, Battlefront II PvE, ReMob fights

Other:

Graded "Moving Day" and "Challenge COMeversary: Bartending Duty" submissions

Medals Awarded: 16x LoC; 4x LoS

Resources

• TC Discord
• Ship Roster
• Email the COM
• TC Personnel Administration
• Battle Center
• Competition Center
• Report Archive