Gial Ackbar/Legends

"Be smart! Be victorious!"

- Admiral Ackbar

Ackbar was a Mon Calamari leader and military commander. Aptly given a name that means "selfless servant", Ackbar devoted himself to the cause of galactic freedom and became perhaps the foremost military commander of the Rebel Alliance and the New Republic. He held the distinction of having been the Supreme Commander of the New Republic Defense Force for nearly two decades and defeating two Imperial Grand Admirals, Osvald Teshik and Peccati Syn. He wrote the manual for the New Republic Fleet Academy, titled Fleet Combat and Methodology.

Early life (44 BBY–19 BBY)
Born on the water world of Dac, Ackbar was interested in science and the sea from a young age. He eventually entered the Mon Calamari navy, where he served with distinction. Ackbar was also Coral City's representative on the Calamarian Council. While a member of the council, Ackbar sponsored numerous extrastellar expeditions.

Resistance leader and slave (19 BBY–1 BBY)
When the Galactic Empire first invaded Mon Calamari, Ackbar quickly became a leader of the resistance movement. Ackbar was, for a time, enslaved to Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, from whom he learned much about the art and skill of command. He was rescued by a Rebel Y-wing raid in the Eriadu system, on a shuttle ferrying Tarkin and Bevel Lemelisk to the Death Star. As a result of his enslavement, Ackbar was now able to see his plans of revolution come into being. Mon Calamari and Quarren united against the invaders, repelling them and pushing them off planet. His people won their freedom.

Rebel leader (1 BBY–4 ABY)


Rebel forces eventually rescued Ackbar in a raid above Corulag when trying to gain intelligence on the Empire's new superweapon. The Alliance, of course, was ecstatic to locate the alien, due to his importance to the Mon Calamari as well as his intimate knowledge of Tarkin and his pet project. Following his rescue, Ackbar led the Rebel Alliance to their first victory during the Battle of Turkana. Given the rank of Commander in the Alliance Navy (though retaining his rank as Admiral in the Mon Calamari Navy during the Battle of Turkana), he swiftly rose through the ranks, finally achieving the rank of Admiral of the Fleet after his role in the Shantipole Project, which was a secret project to develop the Verpine-designed B-wing starfighter.

Shortly before the complete evacuation of Massassi Station, Ackbar and the crew aboard his modified bulk freighter suffered an Imperial attack and crash-landed on a muddy planet called Daluuj. Ackbar and his crew were soon rescued by Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker, Rebellion collaborators he would go on to form lasting working relationships with. Mon Mothma, noticing the skills of Ackbar, named him Supreme Commander of the Rebel Fleet and head of all Rebellion military operations. Ackbar became known as the "Father of the Alliance Navy", as he organized and trained the ragtag group of ships and crews into a fighting force capable of facing the Empire. In terms of tactics, he was best known for his audacious, close-range assaults first seen at the Battle of Endor.

Victory at Endor (4 ABY)
Ackbar commanded the Rebel Fleet personally at the Battle of Endor. When it was discovered that his fleet had been led into a trap, Ackbar planned to retreat. Ackbar's caution was due to the belief that the loss of the Rebel fleet would sound the death knell of the Alliance. Already hit hard after the loss of their main base on Hoth, the fleet was the last major Rebel asset. Yet, after deciding to try Lando Calrissian's plan to stay and engage the Imperial fleet at close range, Ackbar fully committed his forces to battle. As the gambler turned general helped coordinate the fighters, Ackbar's large capital warships began a deadly point blank range fight with the Imperial fleet.

When the shields on the Death Star II finally fell, Ackbar's forces moved into close range, bombarding the station's surface while still fighting Admiral Firmus Piett's fleet. Several Star Destroyers fell to Rebel attack, though it was the loss of the flagship Executor that turned the tide of battle into the Alliance's favor. Ackbar ordered a concentrated hail of fire on the Executor, crashing its shields and making it vulnerable. In the aftermath of the battle, following the destruction of the Death Star II, Ackbar continued to direct his forces against the remains of the Imperial fleet, capturing several Star Destroyers. Ackbar made use of his refined version of the Kenobi Offensive, which further aided the Alliance to victory.

When the Imperial fleet finally retreated, the Rebel Alliance had scored a major victory. Ackbar's forces had done what was previously thought impossible–defeat an Imperial fleet. It was Ackbar's shining moment, as well as one of the greatest victories of his long career.

Supreme Commander (4 ABY–23 ABY)
Following the Rebel victory at Endor, Ackbar was a signatory of the Declaration of a New Republic. He fought numerous campaigns against the Galactic Empire and numerous splinter warlord groups, and developed cunning military tactics such as the "Ackbar Slash" and "Thrawn Pincer". Given a seat on the Inner Council, Ackbar was named Supreme Commander of the New Republic Defense Force, making him the highest officer in the Republic's military. His successes in the Mid and Inner Rims paved the way for the eventual liberation of the Core Worlds, which Ackbar personally commanded. At Kashyyyk he outfought Grand Admiral Peccati Syn, vaporizing his flagship and defeating his fleet. Ackbar commanded the fleet that liberated Coruscant from the Galactic Empire. He weathered the political manipulations of Borsk Fey'lya and an attempt at framing him for treason masterminded by Grand Admiral Thrawn. As the New Republic grew stronger, Ackbar took a less active role in the day-to-day fighting against the remnants of the Empire, though he continued to personally lead major campaigns and assaults.

Retirement (23 ABY–25 ABY)
Ackbar retired four years after peace was signed with the Imperial Remnant, when his old rival Fey'lya was elected Chief of State. However, senior members of the Defense Force–including Dif Scaur, Etahn A'baht, Traest Kre'fey, and Sien Sovv, Ackbar's replacement&mdash;managed to ensure that Ackbar received a number of important analyses. This would prove useful during the coming war with the Yuuzhan Vong.

"ACKBAR IS BACK" (25 ABY–30 ABY)
When the Yuuzhan Vong War came, Ackbar was in very poor health. As he explained, there was nothing specifically wrong with him, just age and the strain he had put on himself during the Galactic Civil War. But he was still fully cognizant. When the New Republic capital was relocated to Dac, he pulled himself out of retirement, to plan a trap against those forces in the Deep Core. The plan, which culminated in the Battle of Ebaq 9, was highly successful. In addition to being a legitimate strategic and tactical victory, it was crucial in restoring morale after the losses suffered in the invasion. When news of Ackbar's return was broadcast to the entire Defense Force with the simple message "ACKBAR IS BACK", the elation that many members of the military felt was so great that actual celebrations broke out on various New Republic fleet units. Still, his age and condition were still factors he had to deal with. Despite being offered by then current Supreme Commander Sien Sovv to retake control of the military, Ackbar declined, choosing to take on a consultative role.

Death and legacy (30 ABY–)
Near the very end of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, shortly before the final climactic Liberation of Coruscant, Ackbar passed on. His death caused great grief to the Mon Calamari, the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances, and the Galaxy at large. A grand memorial service was held on both the newly reclaimed Coruscant and his watery homeworld, attended by countless Mon Calamari and numerous dignitaries from across the Galactic Alliance.

Ackbar was immortalized with the christening of Admiral Ackbar, one of a new generation of Victory-class Star Destroyer crucial in the Swarm War.

After Endor
Ackbar shaped the military strategy of the fledgling New Republic, beginning within days of the victory at Endor. Some early operations, like the liberation of Clak'dor VII, were conducted in the Outer Rim. For the first few months following the battle, Ackbar rebuilt and expanded his fleet, preparing it for the eventual liberation of the Galaxy from the Empire. Consolidating its holdings, the New Republic expanded through diplomacy, buying time as new warships like the MC80B Star Cruiser came off the lines at Mon Calamari and found their way into the fleet. These new Star Cruisers, coupled with several captured and repaired Star Destroyers, gave his fleet some added muscle. Once the fleet was ready, Ackbar began the long trek Coreward.

Early Core incursions
Early gains were made in the Core before the main invasion began, including the liberation of Ralltiir, the capture of Brentaal, and Recopia joining the New Republic. Still, the majority of the Core would be in Imperial hands until the main fleets of the New Republic had a secure line of supply. This would be rectified by launching a massive campaign to liberate the Mid and Inner Rims.

Mid and Inner Rim campaign
Ackbar invaded the Mid and Inner Rims in force, securing numerous worlds for use as bases for the eventual liberation of the Core. His major victory over Grand Admiral Syn at Kashyyyk opened up a major line of travel and communication, paving the way for numerous other successes in the Mid Rim. After securing the Mid Rim, a brutal campaign began in the Inner Rim. Ackbar's fleets were involved, supporting ground campaigns on worlds like Mindor, led by General Luke Skywalker. Despite the growing stresses placed on Ackbar as the Supreme Commander of the New Republic military, he continued to lead major engagements personally. Such was his devotion to the service and the beings who served with him.

Liberation of Coruscant
As the New Republic fleet began to gain a foothold in the Colonies region, the main objective of the New Republic finally seemed within reach. After securing Borleias, the New Republic had a major base of operations for an attack on Coruscant itself, the capital of the Galactic Empire and the Old Republic before it. Bringing in the bulk of his fleet, Ackbar brushed aside the Imperial forces defending the capital world. His forces were able to secure the planet thanks to covert missions provided by Rogue Squadron. The New Republic was finally in possession of the galactic capital.

Conquest of the Core
This major symbolic and military victory did not bring Ackbar's offensive to an end. During much of the third and fourth year after Endor, Ackbar's forces liberated other key Core worlds, including Chandrila and Esseles. Some notable Colonies worlds, such as Commenor and Balmorra, declared their neutrality, but eventually joined the new government. Despite the major problems caused by Warlord Zsinj and his forces, the New Republic continued to solidify its hold on the Galaxy. Following the defeat of Zsinj at Dathomir, Ackbar led a campaign into the regions held by the former warlord. After securing those planets for the New Republic, Ackbar's forces succeeded in capturing the shipbuilding world of Kuat. Despite the fierce fighting and damage sustained to Kuat Drive Yards, the battle was a major victory. Now entering the fifth year after the victory at Endor, three quarters of the Galaxy, including the entire Core, were in the hands of the New Republic.

Thrawn's campaign and the aftermath
The battle against Thrawn was a costly one for the New Republic, weakening their forces and nearly bringing them to the brink of defeat. Ackbar was not able to fully coordinate the early stages of the war due to an Imperial conspiracy which was designed to remove him from the supreme command. This was further aided by Bothan Borsk Fey'lya, who was long jealous of Ackbar's prestige and power. Despite these hardships, Ackbar's forces finally prevailed at the Battle of Bilbringi. Campaigns in the Ciutric Hegemony and operations to reclaim worlds lost to Thrawn spread the New Republic across the Rim. This left the vital Core worlds, and Coruscant in particular, open to an attack by reunified Imperial forces. Coruscant and the Core were retaken by the Empire in lightning speed.

Dark Empire
The campaign of the reborn Emperor was the most costly struggle in the history of the New Republic up until the Yuuzhan Vong invasion. Countless regions were lost, as the government went into hiding. Ackbar managed to keep the bulk of his fleets intact, moving them across the Galaxy much in the same way he had during the Rebellion. Following the final death of Palpatine, the New Republic reestablished itself. Ackbar's forces were dispatched to liberate worlds yet again, bringing them back into the fold of the New Republic.

Exile and return
Ackbar faced a personal crisis shortly after his fleets reclaimed Coruscant from the forces of the reborn Emperor. During a mission with Leia Organa Solo, Ackbar's personal B-wing shuttle crashed on the planet Vortex, destroying the Cathedral of Winds. Believing that his piloting was the cause of the accident, Ackbar went into self imposed exile on Dac, ridden with guilt. When Mon Mothma suddenly became ill from a poisoning orchestrated by Caridan ambassador Furgan, Leia traveled to Dac to persuade Ackbar to come back to the New Republic. While working to persuade Ackbar to reclaim his post as Supreme Commander, rogue Imperial Admiral Daala attacked Dac. Coming momentarily out of his depression, Ackbar rallied local Calamarian forces against Daala, holding off the worst of her attacks until a New Republic fleet arrived.

In spite of this, Ackbar still refused to return to the New Republic. When his friend Leia once again requested his help, this time to rescue her son Anakin Solo from capture, Ackbar got into action. While on a mission to Anoth, Ackbar learned the truth behind his accident–his shuttle had been sabotaged by his personal starship mechanic, Terpfen. The victim of Imperial brainwashing, Terpfen had finally overcome the chips planted in his brain by Imperial scientists. The mechanic aided Ackbar, Leia, and Winter Retrac Celchu in saving young Anakin. After defeating Furgan's MT-AT walker, Terpfen tried to send his own walker off the cliff in a suicidal plunge. Quick thinking by Ackbar prevented this: he told Terpfen that he had a great many things to still offer the New Republic and the Galaxy. Realizing that those words applied to him as well, Ackbar returned with Leia to Coruscant, resuming his duties as Supreme Commander. No longer guilt-ridden, Ackbar vowed to remain at his post until the Empire was defeated.

Black Fleet Crisis
During the period of peace that followed the threat of Admiral Daala, Ackbar oversaw development of the New Class standardization project and its manifestation in the Fifth Fleet. Leading the Joint Defense Operations Staff, Ackbar was charged by the Senate with the creation of a fleet capable of providing common defense for member worlds and against wealthy, Imperial-controlled Core worlds. As the New Republic's diplomatic talks with the Duskhan League unraveled into a major conflict in the Koornacht Cluster, Ackbar remained on Coruscant, leaving field command in the hands of Defense Force commanders.

He took young Plat Mallar, sole survivor of the Yevethan strike on Polneye, under his fin, acting as his primary flight instructor. Ackbar's efforts afforded the Grannan the opportunity to serve in the Defense Force and fight against the Yevetha, although the personal nature of their relationship brought Mallar under scrutiny following the capture of Han Solo.

The crisis also afforded Ackbar the opportunity to meet Ayddar Nylykerka, who risked his life entering Ackbar's residence at Victory Lake to inform him of his discovery of the Black Fleet. Nylykerka was promoted by Ackbar for his work, setting him on a course to eventually serve in the post of Director of Fleet Intelligence.

Fighting back the Remnant
Following the defeat of the Yevetha and the incident at Almania, the Imperial Remnant decided to launch a major offensive against the New Republic, hoping that the problems of the past few years had weakened it. They were mistaken, as the New Republic always rallied in the face of threats from the Empire. Taking personal command in the field once again, Ackbar commanded the Third and Fifth fleets in a series of major battles with Gilad Pellaeon. Despite some setbacks, like the Battle of Gravlex Med, Ackbar's forces managed to trounce the Imperial forces. The victory was secured during the climactic Battle of Anx Minor. Ackbar ordered a barrage of concentrated fire on the experimental Imperial warship EX-F. Igniting its volatile antimatter reservoir, the subsequent explosion vaporized six nearby Star Destroyers. This massive, sudden loss sapped the morale of the Imperial forces. Pellaeon, hoping to save what he had left, retreated. By the time the campaign was over, the Imperial Remnant had been reduced to a mere eight sectors of the Outer Rim and a fleet of 200 Star Destroyers and a few thousand lesser vessels. Ackbar's victory was a major factor in Pellaeon deciding to make peace with the New Republic and signing the Pellaeon-Gavrisom Treaty.

Last campaign
Ackbar remained Supreme Commander until his retirement. While he did not actively command forces again, he did develop the strategy and plan for the Battle of Ebaq 9. This victory turned the tide of the Yuuzhan Vong War, and ensured the eventual establishment of the Galactic Alliance.

Flagships


As the Supreme Commander of both the Rebel and New Republic militaries, Ackbar regularly took to the field commanding forces in combat. As a result, the warship chosen as the flagship of the admiral tended to see much action. His first flagship is perhaps his most famous–Home One. The Mon Calamari cruiser was his command cruiser for nearly a decade, participating in some of the most significant engagements of the Galactic Civil War, including the Battle of Endor and the Battle of Bilbringi.

Following the retirement of Home One, Ackbar selected the first of the new MC90 Star Cruiser line, the Defiance. The Defiance first saw action during the campaigns of the Reborn Emperor, as Ackbar personally lead reconnaissance missions to the Deep Core. After the Imperial forces were driven back, Ackbar selected another MC90, the Galactic Voyager, to serve as his command cruiser. The warship participated in numerous battles, including the First Battle of Jedi Praxeum.

Personal life
Ackbar's commitment to serving the galaxy meant that he found little time for marriage or children. This was not uncommon amongst many of the early leaders of the Rebel Alliance, as devotion to duty left little time for romance or affection. Still, Ackbar did have family, including two nieces, future Jedi Master Cilghal and Jesmin Ackbar, a fighter pilot. Years of working closely with Leia Organa Solo forged a close friendship as well. During the stressful times surrounding the Black Fleet Crisis, Ackbar served as a close friend and father figure to Leia; the relationship was so close that Ackbar was one of a handful of people who had a private key to the Solo residence in the Imperial Palace. Ackbar also bonded with Anakin Solo at an early age, affectionately calling him "my little fish," due to the boy's love of water. In fact, the two would often swim together in the specially designed pools onboard Ackbar's cruisers. These pools were places of meditation and reflection for the weathered leader, and it is a testiment to Ackbar's friendship with the young Solo that he allowed these light-hearted interuptions.

Close interaction with the Solo clan brought Ackbar into regular contact with Winter Celchu, personal aide to Leia. The two developed a close friendship, both enjoying each other's company when time permitted. Years later, during the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, Winter would care for the ailing admiral as he slowly succumbed to old age.

Ackbar's close working relationship with Wedge Antilles also turned into a friendship, with Ackbar serving as a sort of mentor to Wedge, especially during the early years of the New Republic. It was Ackbar who promoted Wedge to general.

Politics
One of the realities of being the Supreme Commander of the New Republic military was regular interaction with politicians. However, unlike many career officers, Ackbar did not enjoy games of the political arena, relying on his trusted friend Mon Mothma to cover him. His skills were better suited for commanding the Defense Force, not the halls of government. Fortunately for Ackbar, when Mon Mothma retired from political service, Leia Organa Solo was chosen to be her successor. The bond that he formed with Leia similarly helped him in dealing with politicians. When Leia finally retired from politics shortly before the invasion of the Yuuzhan Vong, Ackbar retired as well. This was due in part to feeling the Republic was stable, but also due to the fact that he had no desire to play politics with the incoming Chief of State, Borsk Fey'lya.

Behind the scenes

 * Admiral Ackbar was played by Timothy M. Rose in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. He was voiced by Terence McGovern in X-Wing Alliance.
 * For SomethingAwful.com, LUELinks.net, Fark.com, and 4chan.org users, Ackbar has risen to level of Photoshop cliché, often used with the phrase "it's a trap!" or a variation thereof. The basis for this cliché is "Next time you watch Return of the Jedi, note that all Ackbar wants to do, from the minute the assault on the Death Star begins, is leave." "It's a trap!" became so overused that any use of either the phrase or Ackbar's image was banned from SomethingAwful.
 * Ackbar, however, ordered a retreat just once, when it was revealed that the Death Star II was operational. Also, the risk of the entire Alliance fleet being eliminated by the superior numbers and firepower of the Imperial fleet was probably more than enough reason to withdraw. Nonetheless, later in the battle, he ordered Rebel cruisers to attack the Imperial fleet head-on.
 * In early drafts of Return of the Jedi, Admiral Ackbar was described as a blue skinned near-human.
 * It is interesting to note that the expanded universe has never specified whether Ackbar is his first name or surname. It would seem, based on his niece Jesmin Ackbar's name, that Ackbar is a surname.  Therefore, it is curious that such a prominent EU character was never given a first name.  Also, if Ackbar is a surname, we can assume that Cilghal's last name may also be Ackbar.
 * The word akbar means great in Arabic.

Appearances

 * A Death Star is Born
 * Empire at War
 * Star Wars: X-wing
 * ''Star Wars: Rebellion
 * Classic Star Wars Volume 2: The Rebel Storm
 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
 * The Truce at Bakura
 * X-wing Rogue Squadron: In the Empire's Service
 * X-wing Rogue Squadron: Masquerade
 * X-wing Rogue Squadron: Mandatory Retirement
 * The Glove of Darth Vader
 * X-wing: Rogue Squadron
 * X-wing: Wedge's Gamble
 * X-wing: The Krytos Trap
 * X-wing: The Bacta War
 * X-wing: Wraith Squadron
 * X-wing: Solo Command
 * Heir to the Empire
 * Dark Force Rising
 * The Last Command
 * X-wing: Isard's Revenge
 * Dark Empire
 * Dark Empire II
 * Jedi Search
 * Dark Apprentice
 * Champions of the Force
 * Darksaber
 * Before the Storm
 * Tyrant's Test
 * The New Rebellion
 * Showdown at Centerpoint
 * Specter of the Past
 * Vision of the Future
 * Vector Prime
 * Destiny's Way
 * Ylesia
 * The Unifying Force
 * ''Empire Star Wars 20th Anniversary bonus mag